Species FishSpiny Dogfish

Spiny Dogfish

Squalus acanthias

CommonFish
Illustration of Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
Safety note: The dorsal spines carry a mild venom. Handle with care if one is caught while fishing.

A small, slender shark named for the mildly venomous spines in front of its two dorsal fins. Spiny dogfish travel in enormous schools and are among the most abundant sharks in the world, though heavy fishing has reduced their numbers.

Habitat
Cool coastal waters and continental shelves on both US coasts.
Diet
Small fish, squid, crabs, and jellyfish.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Spiny Dogfish

The best time to see a Spiny Dogfish is November–March, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 321 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Spiny Dogfish sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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