The Largespine Velvet dogfish (Scymnodon macracanthus) is a shark of the family Somniosidae, found on the lower continental slopes between latitudes 50°S and 54°S in the southeast Pacific Ocean from the Straits of Magellan, and the southwest Pacific from New Zealand, at depths of between 2133 and 3018 feet.
Family: Somniosidae – sleeper sharks
Genus: Scymnodon
Species: macracanthus
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Family– Somniosidae
Common Name– Sleeper Sharks
Genus– Scymnodon
Species– macracanthus
Status: IUCN Red List NOT EVALUATED
Average Size and Length: The Largespine Velvet dogfish reaches a length of 2.2 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The lips of the Largespine Velvet dogfish are thick and fleshy. It has short labial furrows. The upper teeth are slender and pointed.
Head: The Largespine Velvet dogfish has a long snout.
Denticles: The back dermal denticles are small, and they do not resemble those of bony fishes. They do have triple cusps.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Largespine Velvet dogfish can be found in the Southwest Atlantic in the Straights of Magellan. In the West Pacific they can be found in New Zealand. They are found on the lower continental slopes between 2133 and 3018 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Largespine Velvet dogfish is stalky, and the body tapers behind the large pectoral fins. When laid back, they almost reach the first dorsal spine. It is brow to blackish in color. It has two dorsal fins with stout prominent spines. The second dorsal fin is higher than the first dorsal fin.
Biology and Reproduction: The Largespine Velvet dogfish is a holotype.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown
Largespine Velvet Dogfish Shark Future and Conservation: Not Evaluated.
Largespine Velvet Dogfish Shark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.