dogfish

Dogfish is a common name for several small sharks in the order Squaliformes, most notably the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). The term is also used for various related species in the Squalidae family, and in some regions for other Squalus species, such as the gray dogfish. These sharks are generally found in temperate seas around the world.

Description and habitat: Dogfish have elongated bodies, a pointed snout, and two dorsal fins with spines in front of the first dorsal fin in many species. Colors range from brown to gray, and sizes vary by species, commonly reaching up to about 1 meter in length. They inhabit temperate coastal waters, from nearshore areas to continental shelves and upper slopes, from shallow bays to several hundred meters deep.

Behavior and diet: They are opportunistic predators, feeding on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. Some populations form schools, especially outside the breeding season. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with a relatively slow life history; females give birth to a small number of pups after a long gestation, contributing to low population growth rates.

Fisheries and conservation: Dogfish are targeted by commercial fisheries for meat and byproducts, and the spiny dogfish is among the most heavily fished sharks in some regions. Because of their slow growth and late maturity, populations can be vulnerable to overfishing. Management measures in various areas include catch quotas, size limits, and seasonal closures to protect breeding stock.