Fin's Fish Guide
Portugese dogfish
The Portugese dogfish (Centroscymnus coelolepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Somniosidae that grows up to 121 cm.
Worldwide in cold, deep waters; in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea along continental slopes.
Description
The Portuguese dogfish is a deep-sea shark of the family Somniosidae reaching about 120 cm. The stout, blackish-brown body has large, greenish glossy eyes and skin with fine, shiny denticles; the two dorsal fins are small. The species is among the deepest-living sharks in the world, recorded to more than 3700 metres, but usually lives between 400 and 2000 metres along continental slopes of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean among other areas. It hunts deep-sea fish, squid and crustaceans. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, very slow and with few young. Because of this vulnerable life history and fishing for its oil-rich liver the species is assessed as Near Threatened.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Portugese dogfish?
The Portugese dogfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. One of the deepest-living sharks in the world; stocky, blackish brown with large green eyes and glossy dermal denticles. Two small dorsal fins.
Where does the Portugese dogfish live?
The Portugese dogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Worldwide in cold, deep waters; in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea along continental slopes.
How big does the Portugese dogfish get?
The Portugese dogfish grows to a maximum of about 121 cm. On average the species is around 92 cm.
Is the Portugese dogfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Portugese dogfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Portugese dogfish edible?
The Portugese 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 Centroscymnus
More from the family Somniosidae
Want the complete picture on the Portugese dogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Portugese dogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.