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Spiny dogfish — printable fact sheet
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Spiny dogfish
Squalus acanthias
The spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) is a small, slate-grey shark of cold shelf waters, rarely over 1.2 metres, and it holds one of the longest gestations of any vertebrate: 18 to 24 months, longer than an elephant's. In front of each dorsal fin is a stout, mildly venomous spin…
Did you know?
- Despite their small size, spiny dogfish have been reported to travel thousands of kilometers during seasonal migrations.
- A pregnant spiny dogfish carries her pups for up to two years, the longest gestation of any shark and longer than an elephant's. Pacific females may not breed until they are over 30 years old and can live past 80. The spines in front of each dorsal fin carry a mild venom and can deliver a painful, slow-healing wound. This is the shark most likely to be found in a British portion of fish and chips, sold as rock salmon or huss.
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