Spiny Dogfish Facts

Spiny Dogfish Description: The basic color of the shark is grey, with a brownish top and white spots on its ventral side. On average, their length is 75-105cm (30 to 40inches), but can sometimes grow up to 130cm and weigh 9kg (20lbs). The two dorsal fins, the first larger than the second, have spines at their base. The upper lobe of the caudal fin is larger and the fin is asymmetrical. Both jaws have smooth edged, oblique teeth.

Characteristics: Distinguishing characteristics include; no anal fin, anterior dorsal fin spines, white spots on the sides and back, oblique teeth with one cusp, a caudal fin without sub-terminal notch, pectoral fins with arched margin and thin front nasal flap.

Lifespan: The lifespan of a spiny dogfish is 25 to 30 years. Most of the population has a seasonal migration along the north-eastern part of the North American coast.

Habitat: The spiny dogfish can be found in cold and warm oceans between 6 and 15°C. They tolerate a wide range of salt level. It frequents shallow water and also swims in depths of 730 meters.

Diet: this marine fish feeds opportunistically, eating any abundant prey it comes across. Their diet consists of small fish and invertebrates.

Breeding: This shark’s reproduction is ovoviviparous. It has the longest gestation period of all sharks at 22 months and young are born along North Carolina and New England.

Spiny Dogfish Facts

Spiny Dogfish Description: The basic color of the shark is grey, with a brownish top and white spots on its ventral side. On average, their length is 75-105cm (30 to 40inches), but can sometimes grow up to 130cm and weigh 9kg (20lbs). The two dorsal fins, the first larger than the second, have spines at their base. The upper lobe of the caudal fin is larger and the fin is asymmetrical. Both jaws have smooth edged, oblique teeth.

Characteristics: Distinguishing characteristics include; no anal fin, anterior dorsal fin spines, white spots on the sides and back, oblique teeth with one cusp, a caudal fin without sub-terminal notch, pectoral fins with arched margin and thin front nasal flap.

Lifespan: The lifespan of a spiny dogfish is 25 to 30 years. Most of the population has a seasonal migration along the north-eastern part of the North American coast.

Habitat: The spiny dogfish can be found in cold and warm oceans between 6 and 15°C. They tolerate a wide range of salt level. It frequents shallow water and also swims in depths of 730 meters.

Diet: this marine fish feeds opportunistically, eating any abundant prey it comes across. Their diet consists of small fish and invertebrates.

Breeding: This shark’s reproduction is ovoviviparous. It has the longest gestation period of all sharks at 22 months and young are born along North Carolina and New England.