On this page
Click button below to view other species in series
Rig Life Cycle
Rig (Mustelus lenticulatus), also known by the names pioke and kapeta, spotted dogfish, and sometimes sold as ‘lemonfish’, are a native species of shark found in coastal waters around Aotearoa-New Zealand.
Juvenile
Juvenile rig live in sheltered harbours and estuaries
with shallow and muddy waters. These areas provide good habitat to support quick growth and protection from predators. Juvenile rig will remain in these areas until autumn-winter when they are about 50 cm in length and 6–8 months old and then depart for the open sea.
Adult
Adult rig are widespread in coastal areas from close inshore to 400 m depth. It is suspected that rig move to deeper waters during winter. Rig can make extensive migrations, with one tagged female moving at least 1160 km.
Reproduction
Female rig grow bigger than males and mature at 7–8 years old and 100 cm length. Males mature at 5–6 years old and 85 cm length. After spending time at sea, adult rig migrate to shallow coastal waters to breed. During spring and summer, females give birth to live young and mate with males before returning to deeper waters.
Where can you find rig?
Rig are endemic to Aotearoa-New Zealand, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. Rig live close to the sea floor and are found in estuaries and coastal waters from the shore to 400 m.
Areas that have been identified as important rig nurseries (newborns and juveniles) include the harbours of Kaipara, Raglan, Waitemata, Tamaki, Manukau, Tauranga, and Porirua. It is thought that adult rig returns to the same area they were born.
Rig species
Rig are sometimes confused with spiny dogfish
How can you tell the difference?
Rig do not have dorsal fin spines.
Rig have lots of small white dots along their upper body. Spiny dogfish have fewer, larger spots.
Rig have flat teeth for crushing and grinding their prey.