Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackbelly Dogfish (Etmopterus hillianus) is a saltwater fish of the family Etmopteridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The Caribbean lanternshark is a small deep-sea shark of the family Etmopteridae from the western Atlantic, around Florida and the Caribbean. The species reaches about 30 cm and has a slender, brown body with a black belly and spines before the dorsal fins. On the belly and flanks are light organs (photophores) that emit a faint glow, aiding camouflage against the dim light from above and species recognition. It inhabits the upper continental and insular slopes on sandy bottoms, at depths of about 180 to 700 m. The species is ovoviviparous and bears four to five young per litter.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackbelly Dogfish?
The Blackbelly Dogfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Luminous (bioluminescent) belly with photophores; small deep-sea shark with dorsal fin spines, ovoviviparous.
Where does the Blackbelly Dogfish live?
The Blackbelly Dogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic, around Florida and the Caribbean.
How big does the Blackbelly Dogfish get?
The Blackbelly Dogfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Blackbelly Dogfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackbelly Dogfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackbelly Dogfish edible?
The Blackbelly Dogfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Etmopterus
More from the family Etmopteridae
Want the complete picture on the Blackbelly Dogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackbelly Dogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.