FATSPINE SPURDOG
Another native Australian spurdog
The Fatspine spurdog (Squalus crassispinus previously sp. D) is a dogfish of the family Squalidae found on the outer continental shelf and the uppermost slope off the northern coast of Western Australia, at depths between 590-660 feet.
Family: Squalidaee – Dogfish Sharks
Genus: Squalus
Species: crassispinus
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Family– Squalidae
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Genus– Squalus
Species– crassispinus
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Mature male Fatspine spurdogs average 1.4 feet. The length of the longest recorded is a male at 1.8 feet.
Head: The Fatspine spurdog has a broad head and short snout. There are broad, small medial barbels on the anterior nasal flaps.
Tail: The ventral caudal lobe, the upper caudal lobe and the trailing edge are pale.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Fatspine spurdog is found on the outer continental shelf and uppermost slope off the northern coast of Western Australia, at depths between 590-660 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Fatspine spurdog is small and slender and light grey above and paler below. The pale dorsal fins have dusky tips. The pectoral fins have a shallowly concave posterior margin and narrowly rounded rear tips. The first dorsal fin is moderately high, and both dorsal fin spines are very stout. They originate over the pectoral inner margins.
Biology and Reproduction: The Fatspine spurdog is thought to be ovoviviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Fatspine Spurdog Future and Conservation: There isn’t enough data to evaluate, however they are rare and endemic. They may be lightly fished.
Fatspine Spurdog Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.