New Jersey Scuba Diving

Spiny Dogfish
Squalus acanthias

Size:
to 3ft (male)
to 4 ft (female)

Habitat:
cool coastal waters, midwater, and bottom, but seldom at the surface

Notes:

The Spiny Dogfish has two distinguishing features: rows of small white dots that run along its sides, and a sharp spine that is found in front of each of its two dorsal fins. The spines of the Spiny Dogfish are formed from material much like that of our teeth. Other distinguishing features include the lack of an anal fin, and the rounded, un-notched tail, unlike the Smooth Dogfish. In the water, the white spots are the thing most likely to jump out at you for identification, although they fade away in some older individuals.

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