(Squalus acanthias) -- This small, slender shark has a flattened head and a snout that tapers to a blunt tip. It averages 2 1/2 to 3 feet in length with the largest growing to 4 feet or more.

Its mouth is full of low, flat, grinding teeth like the smooth dogfish, but the spiny dogfish also possesses an extra set of small, very sharp teeth.

Two features distinguish the spiny dogfish from the smooth variety. First, rows of small white dots run along its slate-grey sides, and second, it has a sharp spine in front of each of its two dorsal fins.

Growth zones on the spines help determine the age of the spiny dogfish and some have been found to be 25 to 30 years old.

The shark uses the spine defensively by curling around in a bow to strike an enemy. The spines are also thought tobe slightly poisonous.

Spiny dogfish are common in the Mid-Atlantic region and are considered pests by commerial and sportfishermen because it has no great value on the local market and doesn't put up much of a fight when hooked.

Europeans, however, have shown that properly prepared dogfish can be a delicacy with bone-free filets that have a flaky texture and firmness similar to haddock.

The Common Hammerhead Shark

The Atlantic Mako Shark

The Smooth Dogfish Shark

The Sand Shark

The Sandbar Shark

Back to the Main Shark Page