The Rasptooth dogfish (Miroscyllium sheikoi) is a species of shark belonging to the family Etmopteridae. They can be found in the northwest Pacific near Japan. This species was originally described as Centroscyllium sheikoi, and subsequently allocated to the newly-named genus Miroscyllium based on anatomical features not shared with other Centroscyllium. More recent molecular data suggest this species belongs to the genus Etmopterus, but as of June 2014 Miroscyllium sheikoi remains the valid name recognized by FishBase, the Catalog of Fishes World Register of Marine Species, and the IUCN.
Family: Etmopteridae – Lantern Sharks
Genus: Miroscyllium
Species: sheikoi
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Family– Etmopteridae
Common Name– Lantern Sharks
Genus– Miroscyllium
Species– sheikoi
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Mature males have been recorded between 30-40 cm/ 11.8 inches-1.3 feet. The maximum length is at least 43 cm/1.4 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The mouth of the Rasptooth dogfish is short. There are small, comb-like compressed teeth with cusps and cusplets in both jaws.
Head: The Rasptooth dogfish has a long, flat snout.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Rasptooth dogfish can be found in the northwest Pacific near Japan. They are found on the upper slopes of the submarine ridge between 1,115-1,214 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Rasptooth dogfish is dark brown dorsally and black ventrally. There are black photophores on the caudal peduncle and caudal fin. There are grooved dorsal fin spines on both of the dorsal fins. The second dorsal fin spine is much larger than the first dorsal fin spine.
Biology and Reproduction: They are presumably ovoviviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Rasptooth Dogfish Future and Conservation: There is not enough data to evaluate.
Rasptooth Dogfish Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.