Introduction
The picked dogfish, also known as the Spiny Dogfish, is a species belonging to the Squalidae family of sharks.
Conservation Status
The current conservation status of the picked dogfish is ‘Least Concern’ as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts for this species mainly consist of controlled fishing regulations.
Statistics
| Length (Average) | 2.8 feet |
|---|---|
| Length (Range) | 2-5 feet |
| Weight (Average) | 20 lbs |
| Weight (Range) | 15-30 lbs |
| Average Lifespan | 25-100 years |
Distribution
These aquatic creatures are found around the globe, mostly in the temperate and subarctic regions. Their pattern of migration is primarily based on temperature changes.
Habitats
The picked dogfish prefers shallow and salt waters. The depth range of this species is between 10m to 200m, and they fancy a temperature range from 7 to 15 degrees Celsius.
When and Where to See
These fish are visible throughout the year with peak sightings during the warmer months. Most active during the night, they retreat to deeper waters during daylight hours.
Best Fishing Locations
This species of dogfish is mostly found in coastal regions of the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the top places to fish for them include:
1. Gulf of Maine
2. George’s Bank
3. Bay of Fundy
4. Grand Banks of Newfoundland
5. Southern part of Greenland
When fishing, it is generally advised to look for turbulent waters as they tend to congregate in such areas.
How to Catch
The picked dogfish is usually attracted to oily fish baits. These species can be caught through fly fishing, trolling, and bottom fishing. The best time for catching these fishes is during the late evening or at night.
Identification Guide
These fishes are distinguishable by their greyish-brown body color and white undersides. They have two spines – one in front of each dorsal fin and no anal fin.
Culinary
The picked dogfish can be cooked in various ways due to its firm white flesh. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a low-fat content.
Additional Information
The picked dogfish feeds on smaller fishes and invertebrates. They are ovoviviparous, and their mating season varies from region to region. Major threats to this species are overfishing and habitat disruption.
References and Further Reading
Although there’s a large variety of online resources where you can learn more about the picked dogfish, some recommended readings include:
1. “Sharks of the World” by Leonard Compagno
2. “Sharks, Skates, and Rays: The Biology of Elasmobranch Fishes” edited by William C. Hamlett
3. “Field Guide to Sharks, Rays & Chimaeras of Europe and the Mediterranean” by David A. Ebert
4. Florida Museum – Spiny Dogfish
5. NOAA Fisheries – Atlantic Spiny Dogfish