Fin's Fish Guide
The Deepsea spiny dogfish (Centrophorus squamosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrophoridae that grows up to 164 cm.
Eastern Atlantic, the western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, along continental slopes and seamounts.
Description
The leafscale gulper shark is a large deep-sea shark of the family Centrophoridae reaching about 160 cm. The elongate body is grey-brown to blackish-brown and covered with coarse, leaf-shaped dermal denticles; the two dorsal fins each bear a spine and the eyes are large and greenish. The species lives along continental slopes and seamounts, usually between 150 and more than 2000 metres, in the eastern Atlantic and parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It hunts deep-sea fish and squid. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, very slow and with few young. Because of this vulnerable life history and deep-sea fishing for its oil-rich liver, the species is assessed as Endangered.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Deepsea spiny dogfish?
The Deepsea spiny dogfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Large deep-sea shark with coarse, leaf-shaped dermal denticles and two dorsal fins each with a spine; large green eyes.
Where does the Deepsea spiny dogfish live?
The Deepsea spiny dogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic, the western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, along continental slopes and seamounts.
How big does the Deepsea spiny dogfish get?
The Deepsea spiny dogfish grows to a maximum of about 164 cm.
Is the Deepsea spiny dogfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Deepsea spiny dogfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Deepsea spiny dogfish edible?
The Deepsea spiny 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 Centrophorus
More from the family Centrophoridae
Want the complete picture on the Deepsea spiny dogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Deepsea spiny dogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.