Date:12/14/23
Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today's fish of the day is the pacific spiny dogfish!
The pacific spiny dogfish, known by scientific name Squalus suckleyi is well known for being referred to as "the most abundant species of sharks in the world". Dogfish are prominent in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian ocean, but as the name implies this species is only found in the Pacific ocean, differentiated from the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) in only 2010. Found on the coastline in shallow waters, and offshore, remaining on the continental shelf. Spiny dogfish prefer saltwater, but can survive in brackish waters and in estuaries, where they occasionally go for hunting purposes. Migratory patterns exist, but are currently not well understood, although seem to be a seasonal north-south migration to warm water in the winter, and colder water in the summer.
The diet is entirely carnivorous, and consists of mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and smaller sharks and skates. On the back of the dogfish, in front of both dorsal fins in a spine, that have a mild venom, and are used for protection when threatened, giving them the spiny part of their name. This venom is currently not well studied. The pacific spiny dogfish has been found as large as 50 inches long, and can live up to 100 years in the wild.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday! Remember, I am always taking suggestions for future emails!