Distribution:

Antitropical. Western Atlantic: Greenland to Argentina. Eastern Atlantic: Iceland and Murmansk Coast (Russia) to South Africa, including the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Western Pacific: Bering Sea to New Zealand. Reports from off New Guinea are doubtful. Eastern Pacific: Bering Sea to Chile.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Anal spines: 0-0. A slim dogfish with a narrow, pointed snout and characteristic white spots; two dorsal fins with ungrooved large spines, 1st dorsal fin spine origin behind pectoral fin rear tips. Grey above, white below; occasionally without spot.

Biology:

Possibly the most abundant living shark. An inshore and offshore dogfish of the continental and insular shelf and upper slopes. Usually near the bottom, but also in midwater and at the surface. Often found in enclosed bays and estuaries. Reported to enter freshwater but cannot survive there for more than a few hours. Schools mainly segregated by size and sex; mixed schools also reported. Feeds primarily on bony fishes, also mollusks, crustaceans and other invertebrates. The only species of horned sharks that can inflict toxins with its tail. Utilized for human consumption, liver oil, vitamins, sand paper, leather, fertilizer, etc. Eaten fried, broiled, and baked.Growth is slow. At sexual maturity, males are 60-70 cm long, females 75-90cm.

Max. size: 160.0 cm - 120.0 cm (female)

Max.weight: 9,100.0 g

Environment: benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 1460 m

Climate: temperate; 7 - 15°C; 72°N - 55°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Galludo, Pinchudo