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SPINY DOGFISH
Squalus acanthias
SIZE
To about 4.5 ft (1.4 m).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- Dorsal fins bother preceded by a single spine
- Anal fin absent
- Body with scattered small white spots
- Color slate-gray or brownish-gray above, pale gray to white below
- Interdorsal ridge weak
DISTRIBUTION
Greenland to FL and Cuba. Uncommon south of NC.
HABITAT
Coastal and offshore; surface waters to 3,000 ft (914 m), usually near bottom in waters 43-52°F (6-11°C).
SIMILAR SPECIES
Smooth dogfish, and Atlantic Sharpnose shark have anal fins; lack dorsal fin spines. Smooth dogfish lacks white spots
MORE INFORMATION
Text descriptions taken from Guide to Sharks, Tunas, & Billfishes of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico |
www.nefsc.noaa.gov |
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(File Modified Sep. 13 2011)
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