Fin's Fish Guide
The Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) is a brackish-water fish of the family Squalidae that grows up to 160 cm.
Circumglobal in boreal and temperate waters; absent from the North Pacific (replaced there by Squalus suckleyi).
Description
The spurdog is a slender, small shark of the family Squalidae reaching about 160 cm. The back is blue-grey with a row of small white spots and the belly is white; an anal fin is absent. In front of each of the two dorsal fins stands a venomous spine that can inflict a painful wound. The species occurs circumglobally in cool, temperate waters, including the North Sea, hunting fish, squid and crustaceans. Spurdogs are ovoviviparous with an exceptionally long gestation of 18 to 24 months. Because of overfishing and slow reproduction the species is assessed as Vulnerable across much of its range.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spiny dogfish?
The Spiny dogfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Slender shark with a venomous spine in front of each dorsal fin and a row of white blotches on the blue-grey back; no anal fin.
Where does the Spiny dogfish live?
The Spiny dogfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Circumglobal in boreal and temperate waters; absent from the North Pacific (replaced there by Squalus suckleyi).
How big does the Spiny dogfish get?
The Spiny dogfish grows to a maximum of about 160 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the Spiny dogfish dangerous to humans?
The Spiny dogfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For wounds from the venomous dorsal spines: immerse the wound in hot water (about 45 °C) to ease pain, clean it, and seek medical care if pain or swelling persists.
Is the Spiny dogfish edible?
Yes, the Spiny dogfish is commonly eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Spiny dogfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Squalus
More from the family Squalidae
Want the complete picture on the Spiny dogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spiny dogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone