Piked Dogfish
Squalus acanthias
- Group: Shark
- Typical depth: 0–1978 m
- Max size: 1.6 m
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: VU
Possibly the most abundant shark alive, this small dogfish carries a mildly venomous spine in front of each dorsal fin. It moves in large schools near the bottom and through midwater, mainly between 10 and 200 metres, and females may take nearly two years to give birth. Long and heavily fished, it has nonetheless fallen to vulnerable status.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Elasmobranchii › Squaliformes › Squalidae › Squalus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 105923.
FAQ
- How deep does the Piked Dogfish live?
- The Piked Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) is typically found at 0–1978 m.
- Is the Piked Dogfish dangerous to divers?
- The Piked Dogfish can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Piked Dogfish get?
- The Piked Dogfish grows to about 1.6 m.