Ratfish is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law. Not kosher. Ratfish are cartilaginous fish, closely related to sharks and rays.

What is the scientific name of Ratfish?

The scientific name of Ratfish is Chimaera.

Does Ratfish have fins and scales?

Ratfish does not meet the requirement of having both fins and removable scales. Leviticus 11:9-12 requires fish to have both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Ratfish sushi or sashimi?

No. Since Ratfish is not kosher, it should not be consumed in any preparation, including sushi or sashimi.

Where can I find more information about whether Ratfish is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Ratfish

Chimaera

Not Kosher

Description

Ratfish aren't a common food fish. Most species live in deep water.

Ratfish, also called chimaeras, live on temperate ocean floors worldwide, outside the Arctic and Antarctic. Most modern species stay in deep water past 2,000 meters, though the spotted ratfish and a few relatives come shallower.

Also known as

Chimaera
Ghost shark
Rabbitfish
Rabbit fish
Spookfish

Ratfish in foreign languages

Scientific	Chimaera
Hebrew	כימרה
Arabic	خرافة
Russian	Химеры
Chinese	銀鮫屬

Warnings & Kosher Issues

A cartilaginous fish, closely related to sharks and rays, with no true scales, so it is not kosher.
Some chimaeras carry a venomous spine on the front of the dorsal fin.