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SMOOTH DOGFISH
Mustelus canis
SIZE
To about 5 ft (1.5 m).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- Fin spines absent
- Dorsal spots absent
- First and second dorsal fins nearly equal in size; second dorsal fin much larger that anal fin
- Teeth pavementlike, noncutting
- Eyes large, oval-shaped, catlike; prominent spiracle behind eyes
- Color olive-gray to brown above, yellowish- or grayish-white below
- Interdorsal ridge
DISTRIBUTION
MA to FL, including Gulf of Mexico, possibly Caribbean Sea. Uncommon north of MA.
HABITAT
Coastal; bays and nearshore waters, usually <60 ft (18 m) but down to 660 ft (200 m) or deeper; primarily near or on bottom.
SIMILAR SPECIES
Spiny dogfish has white spots, dorsal spines; lacks anal fin. Atlantic Sharpnose shark has white spots on back and sides.
MORE INFORMATION
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Text descriptions taken from Guide to Sharks, Tunas, & Billfishes of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico |
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(File Modified Sep. 13 2011)
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