Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, slender, dorsal ridge present; color gray to brown, lighter on belly; eyes oval, compressed; small but prominent spiracle (opening) behind eye; pronounced fold below eye; nostrils with anterior flaps; teeth low, flat, blunt, forming a mosaic-like pattern; both dorsal fins rounded at tip with deeply concave posterior margins, almost equal in size, 2nd dorsal fin slightly smaller than 1st; 2nd dorsal fin originates in front of anal fin; tail with deep notch on underside of upper lobe, lower lobe pointed and directed rearward; labial folds (folds in the corners of the mouth) in upper jaw as long as folds in lower jaw; lower jaw angular. |
Similar Species |
Dogfishes can be distinguished from other sharks by their cat-like eyes, spiracle behind the eyes and both dorsal fins being nearly equal in size. Florida smoothhounds differ from the smooth dogfish by having a pointed lower caudal lobe that's directed rearward (rounded in the smooth dogfish). Their dorsal fins are also more pointed than the in smooth dogfish. Differs from the Cuban dogfish which has spines on both dorsal fins. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay |
Maximum Size |
98 cm (38 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
none (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |