Spiny Dogfish

sharks · ocean · deep sea · spiky

Tiny but mighty. Despite being called a shark, the spiny dogfish is one of the smallest sharks in the world, usually growing only about 3 to 4 feet long. It's got two venomous spines on its back that it uses to protect itself from bigger predators.

Lives really deep. Spiny dogfish hang out in dark, cold waters far below the ocean surface where it's chilly and quiet. They can dive down more than 3,000 feet to find food and safety.

Ancient time travelers. These sharks are built to live incredibly long lives, sometimes reaching over 100 years old. They grow very slowly and have babies only once every couple of years, which makes them really special among sharks.

Sneaky night hunters. Spiny dogfish hunt small fish, squid, and shrimp in the darkness of the deep ocean. They often hunt together in groups called packs, working as a team to corner their prey.

Found worldwide. You can find spiny dogfish in oceans all around the world, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. They live in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres in the deepest, coldest waters.