Rig belong to the Triakidae family.  They have a pale golden-brown to grey body above with numerous small blue and white spots and white below.  There are no spines on the dorsal fins.

Rig Fishery

Rig are caught in coastal waters around New Zealand after their spring migration, usually in long set nets in shallow water (less than 50 metres deep).

New Zealand's Rig fishery is managed by strict quotas, which allow only a set amount of Rig to be taken commercially each year. This Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) was set at 1,919 metric tonnes for the 2009/10 fishing year.

Rig Meat Quality

Rig have firm, white and boneless flesh with a low oil content.  Fillets do not flake easily.  Rig is popular in fish and chip shops.

For meal ideas using Rig, check out recipes on the Greatest Meal on Earth website.