As the English common name “spiny dogfish” alludes to, this species has spines on the dorsal fins that can result in nasty wounds if not handled carefully. The dogfish uses these spines to defend itself, curling in a bow and striking at any threatening predator.
Do dogfish sharks have spines?
A Spiny Dogfish is part of the Dogfish (Squalidae) family of sharks. They are a small shark with a few key characteristics, such as their two spines and white spots on the sides of their body. If attacked by a predator, a Spiny Dogfish will arch its back and inject venom into their attacker.
Where is the spine on a dogfish?
Two large, sharp, mildly poisonous dorsal spines are located in front of each dorsal fin. The spiny dogfish uses its spines defensively by curling up its body and striking at an enemy. Spiny dogfish skin is rough and covered by a tooth-like, scaled surface called dermal denticles.
What is unique about the dogfish shark?
They are known as dogfish due to their nature of hunting in packs. They have very distinct white spots on their body and have a pointed snout. They also have two dorsal fins.
What is the function of the gill slits on a dogfish shark?
The gill slits close and the pharyngeal chamber expands to suck in water. When the pharynx is filled, the mouth closes and the gill chambers expand and fill with water. Then the gill slits open and the chambers constrict to flush out the water.
Are dogfish spines poisonous?
As their name suggests, spiny dogfish sharks sport sharp, venomous (poisonous) spines in front of each dorsal fin. Their bodies are dark gray above and white below, often with white spotting on the sides.
Do dog fish have teeth?
The small teeth of the smooth dogfish are flat and blunt, similar in both the upper and lower jaws. They are asymmetrical with a rounded apex or cusp. Large mature smooth dogfish has tooth crowns that are low, hiding the cusps.
What is the thing on the back of a shark called?
Sharks have a large dorsal fin which provides balance. Usually they’ll also have a smaller dorsal fin further back towards their tail.
What sensory organs do dogfish sharks have and what are their functions?
The patches of pores on the head in the areas of the eyes, snout, and nostrils are the openings of the ampullae of Lorenzini. These sense organs are sensitive to changes in temperature, water pressure, electrical fields, and salinity.
Can sharks be blue?
Blue sharks are recognizable for their exceptionally slender body and bright blue coloration. They are dark blue on the back, bright blue on the sides, and white on the underside.
What common feature is absent in the dogfish shark?
There is no notch on the upper caudal lobe and the lower caudal lobe is not well-developed. There is no anal fin on the spiny dogfish.
Are dogfish edible?
You can eat dogfish without a problem. Dogfish are edible and are regarded by some as one of the tastiest sea foods out there. If someone was to ask me what dogfish tastes like, I would tell them that smooth dogfish in particular have a flaky, firm texture, with a mild sweet flavor.
What kind of symmetry does dogfish shark have?
Radial symmetry. How does a sea star feed?
What is the difference between gill slits and gills?
Answer: Gill slits are individual openings to gills, i.e., multiple gill arches, which lack a single outer cover. Such gills are characteristic of cartilaginous fish such as sharks, and rays, as well as primitive fish such as lampreys. In contrast, bony fishes have a single outer bony gill covering called an operculum.
How is the structure of shark gills suited to their function in respiration?
The shark has evolved efficient structures to minimize energy consumption during respiration. The shark has evolved a way to move water steadily in one direction, instead of in and out of gill slits. During inspiration, lampreys must pump water into the external gill slits.
How do dogfish sharks breathe?
The Pacific Spiny Dogfish has a unique system of ventilation. This shark has five gills on each side, but do not have gill covers like bony fish. The shark is able to breathe with these gills by swimming or staying in the current.
Do dogfish pee out of their skin?
Without a bladder, dogfish basically urinate through their skin by osmosis. Once dogfish die, bacteria can quickly convert the urea in their blood and tissue into ammonia.
How do dogfish sharks protect themselves?
Predators of the spiny dogfish include larger sharks, seals, orcas, cod and red hake. To defend itself, the spiny dogfish may inject venom into predators from the two spines near the dorsal fins. Humans are only at risk if they improperly handle these sharks.
What happens if you touch a dogfish?
What happens if you touch a dogfish? Unlike virtually all other shark species, dogfish sharks possess venom which coats their dorsal spines; this venom is mildly toxic to humans and would be harmful if the shark were to be mishandled.
Is there a fish with human teeth?
Sheepshead use their uniquely strong teeth to break through the hard shells of crabs, oysters, mussels, shrimp and barnacles. Sheepshead teeth look eerily like human teeth.
Do dogs fish bark?
The bowfin, commonly called dogfish in the Midwest, is truly a one of a kind fish. It is scientifically known as Amia calva, which is derived from the Greek, Amia meaning fish and calva meaning smooth.
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