Deania quadrispinosa (McCulloch, 1915)
Longsnout dogfish
photo by FAO

Family:  Centrophoridae (Gulper sharks)
Max. size:  115 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 150 - 1360 m
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: off Namibia and off Algoa Bay, South Africa. Indo-West Pacific: off southern Mozambique and Natal, South Africa; Australia and New Zealand (Ref. 6871).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Extremely long snout, grooved dorsal fin spines, compressed cutting teeth in both jaws, moderately large, pitchfork-shaped denticles, no subcaudal keel on underside of caudal peduncle, first dorsal fin short and high (Ref. 247). Dark brown, grey, or black in color; juveniles with a dark blotch on each dorsal fin (Ref. 26346).
Biology:  A rare (Ref. 26346) and little-known species found on outer continental shelves and upper slopes (Ref. 247). Feeds on bony fishes (Ref. 247). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 21 November 2019 (A2bd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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