Barndoor skate | DE L'EAU À LA BOUCHE

Diamond-shaped, wider than it is long, with vast triangular pectoral fins.

Very pointed snout.

Long tail with three rows of short spines. It ends with two small dorsal fins.

Brown dorsal area, speckled with darker spots. Smooth skin.

Greyish white belly covered with blackened mucous pores. It is soft, somewhat like the cap of a mushroom.

Name

Barndoor skate
Dipturus laevis

Type

Bottom fish

Other names

Kitchen name

Skate

Resource status

Not a cause for concern

Consumption season

Fresh very rare, frozen year-round.

SIZE:

Up to 163 cm in length for 20 kg.

LIFE EXPECTANCY:

Approximately 11 years, may live to 25 years.

LIFE CYLCE:

Sexual maturity occurs at about 6 years of age.

Males have erectile hooks located near the edge of their pectoral fins, which are used during mating to transfer the sperm. After fertilization, the female lays two rectangular, yellow-beige eggs. The eggs look like pieces of bark or leather. They are approximately 16 cm long and have horny spikes on all four corners. The few newborns look like the adults and measure between 18 and 20 cm.

On the bottom, down to 1000 m depth and greater, between 1.2 and 20 °C.

In deep waters

The distribution of this species may well be more extensive than previously thought, both in terms of depth and geographical location. The barndoor skate has been observed as far as the Labrador Plateau and at depths down to 1600 m.

PREYS:

Shrimp
Lobsters
Crabs
Molluscs
Atlantic herring

PREDATORS:

Carnivorous gastropods (skate eggs)
Seals
Sharks

MACHINES:

Dredging (incidental catch).

REGULATIONS:

No targeted fishing

In the past, overfishing has had serious consequences for the barndoor skate. Since 2010, this skate is no longer considered endangered in Quebec. In general, researchers estimate that the population is growing and that a genuine recovery has taken place, despite limited data.

BENEFITS:

Skates are rich in protein, vitamin B12 and selenium. They are low in fat.

LET’S COOK:

Fine, lightly sweet taste. Firm and slightly rubbery texture. The wings are the most prized parts. Yet the liver and cheeks also offer a delicious culinary experience. The wings can be baked, en papillote or breaded, and are usually served with lemon, capers and butter.

Species