Squaliformes

Spiny Dogfish

Squalus acanthias

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Max Length

1.6m

Litter Size

20 pups

Overview

The most studied shark in the world and historically the most abundant. Bears venomous spines in front of each dorsal fin. Once so plentiful it was used as fertilizer; populations have collapsed due to overfishing. Now vulnerable globally.

Habitat

Found from the surface to depths of 3,000 feet or more. Appears to prefer temperatures from 44° to 59°F [7° to 15°C].

Distribution

Worldwide

Almost worldwide, except tropics and near poles. Very little mixing of northern and southern hemisphere populations.

Behavior

This species may form large aggregations on feeding grounds.

Biology

Reproduction: Aplacental viviparous, with an 18 to 24 month gestation period before giving birth
Gestation: 18 to 24

Appearance

Dorsal: The shark is grey to bluish grey or greyish-brown above, lighter or white below, and often with white spots on its flanks, and dusky tips of its dorsal fins.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the spiny dogfish dangerous to humans?

The spiny dogfish is not considered dangerous to humans under normal conditions. There are few or no recorded incidents involving this species.

Where does this species data come from?

Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.

Back to species

Squaliformes

Spiny Dogfish

Squalus acanthias

Back to species

Max Length

1.6m

Litter Size

20 pups

Overview

Habitat

Found from the surface to depths of 3,000 feet or more. Appears to prefer temperatures from 44° to 59°F [7° to 15°C].

Distribution

Worldwide

Almost worldwide, except tropics and near poles. Very little mixing of northern and southern hemisphere populations.

Behavior

This species may form large aggregations on feeding grounds.

Biology

Reproduction: Aplacental viviparous, with an 18 to 24 month gestation period before giving birth
Gestation: 18 to 24

Appearance

Dorsal: The shark is grey to bluish grey or greyish-brown above, lighter or white below, and often with white spots on its flanks, and dusky tips of its dorsal fins.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the spiny dogfish dangerous to humans?

The spiny dogfish is not considered dangerous to humans under normal conditions. There are few or no recorded incidents involving this species.

Where does this species data come from?

Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.

Back to species