spiny dogfish

fish

Also known as: Squalus acanthias, piked dogfish, skittle dog, spurdog(Show More)

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July 1, 2026

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The spiny dogfish is a type of shark belonging to the order Squaliformes. These sharks are characterized by a sharp spine located in front of each of their two dorsal fins. The most well-known species is Squalus acanthias, also called the spiny dogfish or spurdog. This species is common in the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans and can grow up to four feet long. Spiny dogfish are typically gray with white spots and often gather in large schools, feeding on fish and invertebrates. While they can be a nuisance to fisheries, they are edible and their liver oil is used for various purposes. The spines of spiny dogfish can inflict painful wounds, as they are associated with small venom glands.12

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chondrichthyan
Reproductive behaviour
The Atlantic spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) bears its young mostly during the winter, far out on the continental shelf of northeastern America, almost two years after mating.
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The Atlantic spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) bears its young mostly during the winter, far out on the continental shelf of northeastern America, almost two years after mating.
Read More