Norwegian record Norwegian skate: 49.16 kg

About Norwegian skate

The Norwegian skate (Dipturus nidarosiensis), also called the black skate, is a large deep-water skate and the second largest skate in Norway. It grows to about 2 m, with females the larger sex; the Norwegian angling record is given as 199 cm and 49 kg. The upper side is plain dark grey-brown. The key feature is the dark, almost black underside, often coated in black mucus, where most other skates are pale below. It lives over mud, sand and rock, usually at 200–1,000 m. In Norway it is documented only from the Trondheimsfjord, Hardangerfjord and Vestfjord, and probably also the Sognefjord. The scientific name refers to Nidaros, the old name for Trondheim, where it was described in 1881. It feeds mainly on crustaceans and fish. Anglers have caught several in the inner Trondheimsfjord in recent years. Listed as Vulnerable (VU) in Norway and Endangered by the IUCN, it should be handled gently and released.

Sources: Artsdatabanken, Store norske leksikon, Wikipedia

• Habitat: Saltvann

See the species guide

Biggest Norwegian skate in FishComp

Caught a Norwegian skate? Log it in FishComp.

How to register a Norwegian record

1. Norwegian sport-fishing records are registered with Villmarksliv, not with FishComp. Read the rules before you do anything else with the fish.
2. Records are based on weight and approved by a jury. You give the weight and length, where it was caught, the gear you used and any witnesses.
3. Keep your photos and notes from the catch. Logging it in FishComp does not register a record.