SPURDOG
(PIKED DOGFISH)
Squalus acanthias (Linnaeus, 1758)
| Usual Size | To believed 130cm |
| UK Record Weight |
BOAT 21lb 3oz 7dr SHORE 16lb 12oz 8dr |
| Identification | The upper body is dark grey or black and white spots are usually present. The under- side is white. There are spines in front of both dorsal fins |
| Habitat | Found within the upper layers down to depths of 900m. Mostly a mid-water and bottom schooling shark |
| Range | Both and inshore and offshore species preferring a temperature range of between 7º/15ºC |
| Food | Fish eater (Herring, Sprats, Pilchards, Garfish, Sand eels, Flatfish and Cod species) although known to take crustaceans and cephalopods (Squid). |
| Reproduction | Aplacentally
viviparous (live bearing) Litter size between 1/20 pups which are 20/30cm
at birth.
|
| Additional Notes | Known to live longer than 40 years. |
| References | A Field Guide to The Sharks of British Coastal Waters - Vas 1991 FAO Species Catalogue 4 - Sharks of The World - Compagno Fishes of the North-Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean - Whitehead, Bauchot, Hureau, Nielsen, Tortonese Key to the Fishes of Northern Europe - Wheeler |
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