Introduction
The Dogfish, more scientifically known as Squalus acanthias, belongs to the Squalidae family.
Conservation Status
Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has tagged the Dogfish as a species of ‘Least Concern’. Conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure this status doesn’t degrade further.
Statistics
| Stat | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 100cm | 75-130cm |
| Weight | 9kg | 7-12kg |
| Average Lifespan | 25 years | N/A |
Distribution
Regions/Countries
The Dogfish is found across the globe in regions such as North Atlantic, Pacific, Southern Chile, Black Sea, etc.
Migration Patterns
Dogfish are known to migrate closer to the shore during the summer months. In winter, they return to deeper waters.
Habitats
They are found in temperate, subarctic waters. Often, Dogfish are found at depth ranges of 5-1450 meters. They prefer water temperatures between 7 to 15 °C.
When and Where to See
During the warm summer months, Dogfish move closer to the shore. They are typically found near the sea bottom during daylight hours and near the surface at night.
Best Fishing Locations
Some renowned Dogfish fishing locations include:
- Massachusetts Bay, USA
- Port of Galveston, Texas
- Columbia river, Oregon
- North Sea, Europe
- Capbreton Canyon, France
…
You can locate Dogfish by looking for spots with rocky or sandy sea floor at depths over 30 meters.
How to Catch
Dogfish are caught using various methods including bottom longlining, trawling, and gillnetting. Natural baits like squid and mackerel are effective. Fishing is most successful at night or early morning.
Identification Guide
Dogfish are characterized by their gray to brown color, white stomach, and spiny dorsal fins. They also have a characteristic long, slim body.
Culinary
Dogfish is often used in British fish and chips. The taste is mild with a slight sweetness. Nutritionally, it provides rich protein and omega-3 fatty acids. You can pan-fry, grill, or steam it. Try recipes like ‘Dogfish Tacos’ or ‘Grilled Dogfish with Lemon Herb Butter’.
Additional Information
The Dogfish has few natural predators like larger sharks and seals. The fishing industry poses the biggest threat. They feed on smaller fish and invertebrates. Dogfish have a gestation period of 18-24 months, one of the longest in the shark world.
References and Further Reading
- IUCN Redlist
- NOAA Fisheries
- Wikipedia