| Family: |
Squalidae (Dogfish sharks) |
| Max. size: |
110 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 60 - 400 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: North Carolina to Florida (USA), Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, Hispaniola; southern Brazil and Argentina. |
| Diagnosis: |
A slim, gray shark with tips of dorsal fins black and edges of pectoral, pelvic and caudal fins white; two dorsal fins each with strong, ungrooved spine at front edge (Ref. 26938). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits continental shelves and uppermost slopes. Found in 60 to 380 m deep (Ref. 26938). Found on or near the bottom in large, dense schools. Probably feeds on bottom fishes and invertebrates. Ovoviviparous, with about 10 young per litter. A huge parasite (isopod) lives in its buccal cavity. Seldom used for food, but taken in commercial catches for its liver which yields oil and vitamins. Maximum depth reported taken from Ref. 55584. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 June 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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