250 Black Dogfish 



Distribution: World-wide, chiefly in temperate and sub- 

 arctic waters. In the western Atlantic, found from south- 

 eastern Labrador to North Carolina. 



Size: Maximum length about 4 feet with a weight of 15-20 

 pounds. Most fish range between 2 and 3Vi feet in length 

 and weigh 7-10 pounds. 



General Information: A rather sluggish shark often oc- 

 curring in large schools. Common inshore but likely to be 

 found anywhere between the surface of the water and the 

 bottom to depths of 600 feet. The dorsal spines are used 

 for defense. The fish curls itself into a bow-like position 

 in striking. The spines are thought to be slightly poisonous. 

 Chief food is fish, although squid, worms, crabs, and 

 shrimp are also eaten. Males mature at 24-31 inches and 

 females at 27-39 inches. Birth occurs in the Middle 

 Atlantic region in late winter. From 2 to 1 1 young are 

 born at a time, with 4-6 the average. Newborn young 

 range from 6Vi to 13 inches in length. 

 Economic Importance: Widely utilized in Europe as a 

 food. Unsuccessful attempts have been made in the United 

 States to market the Spiny Dogfish, both as a food and as 

 fish meal and oil. Although frequently they are so abun- 

 dant locally as to hamper commercial fishing, only a small 

 quantity can be marketed. While not an active enough 

 species to attract a recreational fishery, the Spiny Dogfish 

 is often caught incidentally by the angler. 



Black Dogfish 

 Centroscyllium fabricii (Reinhardt) 



Color: Upper surface of body chocolate brown; darker, 

 almost black, below. 



