The Northern Spiny dogfish, also known as the Brown dogfish, Grey Spiny dogfish, or Griffin’s dogfish (Squalus griffini) is a dogfish first described in 1931. It is a member of the family Squalidae, found off New Zealand.
Family: Squalidae – Dogfish Sharks
Genus: Squalus
Species: griffini
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Family– Squalidae
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Genus– Squalus
Species– griffini
Status: IUCN Red List LEAST CONCERN
Average Size and Length: The maximum recorded length for a male is 2.9 feet. The maximum recorded length for a female is 3.6 feet.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Northern Spiny dogfish can be found in the southwest Pacific Ocean around New Zealand. There are other unconfirmed reports in other areas of the southwest Pacific. They are subtropical bathydemersal at a depth range of 121-3,117 feet, but typically stay between 328-1,640 feet.
Biology and Reproduction: Thought to be ovoviviparous. Possibly 6-11 pups per litter, with an average of 8.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Northern Spiny Dogfish Future and Conservation: Northern Spiny dogfish are commercially fished in New Zealand waters and used mainly as byproduct for their fins and meat. There are no catch limits, and the populations seems to be healthy at the present time.
Northern Spiny Dogfish Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.