Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Squalus acanthias
- Common name
- Spiny dogfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Squalidae
- Genus
- Squalus
- Size
- 80–200 cm
- Depth
- 0–900 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Caution
- Habitats
- open-water, sand
- Behaviours
- schooling, migratory
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic
Description
Squalus acanthias reaches 2 m. Small fusiform shark grey with discreet white spots, two characteristic dorsal spines at the base of each dorsal fin, bearing a mild but painful venom. Gregarious: forms massive seasonal migratory schools in the North Atlantic. Viviparous with a 2-year gestation (longer than any known mammal). Populations commercially overfished (saumon de mer, rock salmon), IUCN Vulnerable.
Photo of Spiny dogfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Spiny dogfish?
- Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) reaches 80–200 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Spiny dogfish?
- Spiny dogfish is found between 0–900 m deep.
- Is the Spiny dogfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Caution.
- What is the conservation status of the Spiny dogfish?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Spiny dogfish?
- Found in: East Atlantic.
Similar species
- Haemulon flavolineatum - French grunt
- Haemulon sciurus - Bluestriped grunt
- Haemulon plumierii - White grunt
- Haemulon parra - Sailor's choice
- Carcharhinus melanopterus - Blacktip reef shark
- Hippocampus guttulatus - Long-snouted seahorse
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105923)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5216368)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia