Average total length: rough skate 45-80cm, reaching 100cm; smooth skate 60-100cm, reaching 160cmSimilar species from the family Rajidae are distributed around the world. The two commercial species found around New Zealand, rough skate and smooth skate, are closely related. Rough skate has rough skin, and a relatively broad tail, usually with three rows of conical spines. Smooth skate has smooth skin (except in large specimens) and a thin tail with one to three rows of spines. Smooth skate can also be distinguished by a more pointed snout and flatter disc. Males of both species have claspers and longer pelvic fins at base of tail.
Both species occur all around New Zealand; rough skate is more common in coastal waters, smooth skate is usually found in deeper waters to 200m. Caught mainly by trawling, sometimes by line. Caught all year. Resource size unknown but undoubtedly small.
