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Squalidae (dogfish sharks)
Life
> Eukaryotes >
Opisthokonta
> Metazoa (animals) >
Bilateria >
Deuterostomia > Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed
vertebrates) > Chondrichthyes > Elasmobranchii >
Squalomorphii >
Squaliformes
Slender to stout sharks with 2 dorsal fins,
with or without spines, the 1st dorsal in front of the pelvic fins,
and usually small denticles. Over 76 species, at least 25 in our
area.
Species found in Southern Africa
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Cirrhigaleus asper (Roughskin spurdog) A heavy-bodied, spotless dogfish with a blunt,
rounded snout, large denticles and noticably rough skin, and its 1st
dorsal spine behind the pectorals. Colour dark grey or brown above,
lighter below, white edges on fins. |
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Squalus acanthias (Piked dogfish) A slim dogfish with white spots, a narrow,
pointed snout, and the 1st dorsal spine behind the pectoral fins.
Colour grey above, white below; occasional individuals lack spots. |
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Squalus
megalops (Shortnose
Spiny Dogfish)
A
small dogfish with a short, angular snout and a mouth almost as wide
as the snout is long; body without spots; 1 st dorsal fin spine over
pectoral fins. Colour bronze-grey above, white below; dorsal fins
with black tips and white edges but markings inconspicuous in
adults. |
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Squalus cf. blainvillei (Longspine spurdog) |
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