Black Dogfish Shark

Centroscyllium fabricii

Overview - Often sharks are viewed as a menace to humans, but many shark species live deep below the ocean’s surface and rarely, if ever, make any effort to investigate people at lesser depths. This holds true for the black dogfish, which occurs between 975 to 5,280 feet. Nevertheless, commercial fishing operations sometimes will catch this elusive shark. When first brought above water, the eyes of this shark are a reflective green. That is because its vision is adapted to life in near darkness. The black dogfish is found in parts of the Atlantic Ocean, usually confined to the outer continental and upper continental shelves. The shark can withstand low temperatures. One was caught in water measuring 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Feeding Habits - Like most sharks, the black dogfish has special anatomical features that enhance its ability to find and consume prey. This shark’s teeth look like fire flames, with multiple jagged, pointy ends at the tips. Its upper and lower jaws each contain 68 teeth. The multiple choppers allow the black dogfish to grab and pulverize tough shellfish and small bony fishes.

Cool Fact - Both dorsal fins on the black dogfish are lined with prominent grooved spines that contain a mild poison.

Depth - 5,280 feet