Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate; head flattened dorsoventrally, eyes on top of head; mouth large, slightly oblique; color golden to brown with dark mottling on body, fins with dark and light bands; spines on head and opercle (non-venomous); 2 dorsal fins, the 1st consisting of 3 spines and no rays, usually completely covered by skin; 2nd dorsal fin and anal fin long with many rays; body scaleless, smooth; skin very loose, difficult to distinguish margin between body and dorsal and anal fins; fleshy tabs on jaws and above eyes; pelvic fin small, anterior to pectoral fin. |
Similar Species |
The Atlantic midshipman has 2 spines in its 1st dorsal fin, no fleshy tabs, and rows of photophores on its sides and ventral surface. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, bottom dwellers, prefer sandy or mud bottoms |
Maximum Size |
30 cm (12 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. III+23-26; A. III,19-23 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
oyster dog, dogfish, spiny dogfish |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Can produce sounds like grunts and whistles. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |