(Raja Spp)

Skate

Other names
Manumanu, Pakaurua, Uku, Waewae, Whai (Maori), Barndoor skate (NZ),
Suei, Gangiei (Japan), Gaori (Korea)

Availability
Year round.

Depth of catch
Shallow to 400 fathoms.

Characteristics
Skates are in the Order Rajiformes family, which includes the sharks, skates and rays. All of these animals share several similar anatomical structures and evolutionary histories, making them closely related. Rays typically have long slender tails that may have a sting (there are exceptions), wheras skates generally have a broader, well developed tail. Overall, these organisms are remarkably
similar, and are only differentiated at the Family level of classification.

Range of shelf life
Three to 7 days, depending on the quality of handling the fish has received.

How to store
Whole fish should be buried in ice with the belly cavity full of ice, since this
is where deterioration happens most quickly. Adding ice to the belly slows
this enzymatic process.