The spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) is a small-sized species of the shark inhabiting temperate waters worldwide. They are distinguished by their high, sharp spines on each of two dorsal fins (hence the name lionfish).
A Bottom-Dwelling Predator
The spiny dogfish is it a benthic species, that moves very little and spends most of the time on the bed (Flatdog) It is a carnivore and scavenger, consuming creatures such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks. It has very sharp teeth that are specialized for crushing the shell of its prey.
A Slow-Paced Lifestyle
The spiny dogfish is eerily hyper real, and yet also unlike many of its close relatives a rather sedate creature. It plays, waiting in the shadows to leap at its prey. Its blotchy brown colours prevent it from being seen by either predators or prey as they search the sea floor.
A Long Lifespan
One of the most fascinating things about spiny dogfish is they are live long! Figures of up to 50 years have been suggested for some people. Clearly, because they are growing quite slow and have low metabolism.
Conservation Concerns
The spiny dogfish is not currently listed as endangered, but it faces threats such as overfishing due to its popularity in the seafood industry and habitat degradation along with pollution. This involves bottom trawling, a method of fishing not only extremely destructive in the damage it can cause to their habitat but also highly likely to catch these fish directly. Climate change and pollution can also affect their populations.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation measures are in place to protect the spiny dogfish, as well and many other marine species.
Protected Marine Areas: Protecting certain zones is extremely significant in order to save biologically important areas and reduce tourist activities.
A few examples of this are Sustainable Fishing Practices (i.e. selective fishing gear and lower amounts of fish caught) in turn reducing the theoritical threat to by-catch, Marine Protection Zones; apart from a plethora of others we could look at as well under alternative solutions **Conflict Terms**
RESTORING OUR HABITATS; Restoring habitats from marine to seagrass beds and coral reefs that provide much needed shelter & foraging grounds.
Community Support: Raise awareness of the importance marine conservation and risks faced by our oceans
When we find about the spiny dogfish, that where it fits into our ecosystem and how they are struggling maybe more people would start to demand less of them being caught for food and keep this amazing creature from becoming over-fished. If we do our part by fishing responsibly, saving their habitats and educating the public, there will be many more years of spiny dogfish to come!
Spiny dogfish 