Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, slender, dorsal ridge present; color gray to brown, lighter on belly; snout pointed; eyes oval, compressed, prominent spiracle (opening) behind eye, half-moon shaped; teeth small, with a single cusp, notched and very oblique; mouth slightly arched, labial folds (U-shaped folds at the corners of the mouth) present; both dorsal fins proceeded by a strong spine, spines nearly as long as fins are high; 2nd dorsal fin smaller than 1st, outer margin of pectoral fins concave; keel (ridge) on each side of caudal peduncle; no anal fin; pelvic fins about midway between end of 1st dorsal and beginning of 2nd dorsal fins. |
Similar Species |
The Cuban dogfish differs from dogfishes in the Triakidae family by having spined dorsal fins and no anal fin. |
Habitat |
Gulf, bottom dweller |
Maximum Size |
110 cm (3 1/2 ft), common to 75 cm (29 1/2 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. |