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Mandarin dogfish (Cirrhigaleus barbifer) — Squalidae

Mandarin dogfish

Cirrhigaleus barbifer
Family: Squalidae

The Mandarin dogfish (Cirrhigaleus barbifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Squalidae that grows up to 126 cm.

Length
126 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
140.0–650.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The mandarin dogfish is a deep-sea dogfish (Squalidae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 1.3 metres and has a stocky, grey-brown body with conspicuously long, whisker-like nasal barbels and a stout spine in front of each dorsal fin. As a dweller of the continental slope it hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans in cold, dark water. Due to its deep habitat it is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mandarin dogfish?

The Mandarin dogfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Mandarin dogfish live?

The Mandarin dogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Mandarin dogfish get?

The Mandarin dogfish grows to a maximum of about 126 cm.

Is the Mandarin dogfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Mandarin dogfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Mandarijn-doornhaai sourced
English name
Mandarin dogfish sourced
Scientific name
Cirrhigaleus barbifer
Family
Squalidae
Other names
Mandarin dogfish; Mandarin shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
126.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
140.0 verified
Max depth (m)
650.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Squalidae

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