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Purplebelly skate

Rajella purpuriventralis

Purplebelly skate© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Purplebelly skate (Rajella purpuriventralis) is a small demersal ray found on continental‑shelf bottoms. It reaches about 50 cm in length and is valued for its mild, flaky flesh, though it is not a major commercial target. Anglers pursue it mainly for sport and to experience bottom‑fishing techniques.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Rajidae

Max Size

50 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

922-1260m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Summer (June‑August), with peak activity in late spring

Best Time

Dawn and dusk

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Purplebelly skate

  • Use a light to medium‑action spinning rod and 6‑10 lb test line to feel subtle bites
  • Work soft‑plastic grubs or small bucktail jigs along the bottom at 1‑2 knots
  • Offer fresh bait such as shrimp or small fish to entice the skate’s opportunistic feeding
  • Maintain steady contact with the bottom and be ready for a gentle but steady pull; set the hook quickly as the bite is often brief

Top Fishing Locations for Purplebelly skate

Stewart Island Skating Grounds

New Zealand
intermediate75% Very Common

Deep offshore waters south of Stewart Island host abundant Purplebelly skate during the summer months.

Best: December-February

expert55% Common

Cold, nutrient‑rich currents along the continental shelf attract large numbers of Purplebelly skate.

Best: November-March

Kerguelen Plateau Dive Site

France (Kerguelen Islands)
expert60% Common

Remote sub‑antarctic plateau with deep basins ideal for targeting this deep‑water skate.

Best: January-March

Patagonian Shelf, Patagonia

Argentina
intermediate68% Common

Rich benthic habitats on the Patagonian Shelf see high skate densities in spring.

Best: October-December

Tasmanian Southern Ocean Edge

Australia
beginner80% Very Common

Accessible offshore reefs off southern Tasmania provide consistent catches during late summer.

Best: February-April

Falkland Islands Skating Grounds

United Kingdom (Falkland Islands)
intermediate70% Very Common

Cold, clear waters around the islands host seasonal aggregations of Purplebelly skate.

Best: December-February

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Purplebelly skate

Recommended Equipment

Rod7‑8 ft medium‑action spinning rod
Line6‑10 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSoft‑plastic grubs, bucktail jigs, or small spoons
TechniqueBottom jigging or slow trolling near the seabed

Best bait: Fresh shrimp, small fish strips, or squid pieces