Spiny Dogfish

Spiny dogfish are a demersal species that occur worldwide, mostly in cool temperate waters.

In New Zealand, they are mostly found in the colder waters of the south and east coasts of the South Island at depths of 150 to 200 metres.

The Northern Spiny Dogfish are a closely related species and normally occur around the Cook Strait, the North Island coast, and the Chatham Islands.

Family

Spiny Dogfish belong to the Squalidae family (dogfish).

Physical attributes

Brown-grey body above with several white spots and a white belly. They have distinct dorsal fins spines.

The Northern Spiny Dogfish differs slightly, with grey above and no spots.

The flesh of both species is firm, white and boneless.

Sustainability

Spiny Dogfish is managed by the Ministry for Primary Industries using the New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS). Regular stock assessments are conducted to estimate fishery stock size and numbers. Scientific studies are also used. From these, scientists can estimate future stock sizes and catch limits.

Geographical location

In New Zealand, they are mostly found in the colder waters of the south and east coasts of the South Island at depths of 150 to 200 metres.

The Northern Spiny Dogfish are a closely related species and normally occur around the Cook Strait, the North Island coast, and the Chatham Islands.

Market Names

• New Zealand: Spiny Dogfish, Southern Spiny Dogfish, Spineback, Spiky Dogfish, Spurdog, Spiky, Spotted Spiny Dogfish
• Australia: Whitespotted Dogfish
• Commonwealth of Independent States: Klyvochaya akula
• The Netherlands: Doornhaai, Dornfisch
• Germany: Dornhai
• Greece: Skylópsaro
• Italy: Spinarolo, Gatuccio
• Japan: Aburatsunozame
• Korea: Gob sang eo
• Spain: Mielga, Galludo

Locations Caught