The Azores dogfish (Scymnodalatias garricki) is a very rare Sleeper shark of the family Somniosidae. It is known only from the adolescent male holotype caught north of the Azores.
Family: Somniosidae – Sleeper sharks
Genus: Scymnodalatias
Species: garricki
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Family– Somniosidae
Common Name– Sleeper Sharks
Genus– Scymnodalatias
Species– garricki
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: The only known Azores dogfish was an adolescent male 1.2 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The mouth of the Azores dogfish is long and broadly arched. The upper teeth are very small and narrow. The lower teeth larger, interlocked and blade-like.
Head: The head of the Azores dogfish is very long. The snout is long, rounded and broad. The eyes are horizontally elongated.
Tail: The lower caudal lobe is robust.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The only Azores dogfish was caught in the North Atlantic Ridge just north of the Azores. Possibly oceanic or deep benthic. This shark was caught at 300 m in open ocean over a seamount.
Diet: Unknown.
Aesthetic Identification: The Azores dogfish is very small and uniform dark brown. The first dorsal fin is located halfway down the body. The free rear tip is just in front of the pelvic origins. There are no dorsal fin spines.
Biology and Reproduction: Possibly ovoviviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Azores Dogfish Shark Future and Conservation: Not evaluated.
Azores Dogfish Shark Recorded Attacks on Humans: No threat to humans.