Distribution:

Indo-West Pacific: appears to be an Australian endemic. Dogfishes presently referred to in current literature as Squalus megalops appear to belong to a complex of similar species. Specimens from the different regions still need to be compared carefully.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Anal spines: 0-0. A small dogfish with a short, angular snout and a small mouth almost as wide as the snout is long; body without spots; 1st dorsal fin spine over pectoral fins. Bronze-grey above, white below; dorsal fins with black tips and white edges but markings inconspicuous in adults.

Biology:

Found on the outer continental shelves and upper slopes, on or near the bottom. Young mostly pelagic off the outer shelves. Aggregations by sex are regularly observed. Feeds on bony fishes, shrimps and other crustaceans, cephalopods and other elasmobranchs. Utilized for human consumption, the flesh most appealing dried salted or smoked. Also consumed fresh.

Max. size: 71.0 cm

Environment: bathydemersal; depth range 30 - 750 m

Climate: deep-water; 34°N - 28°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Galludo, Pinchudo