Dogfish ID

[anglerdave]

In VA the law allows one shark per boat per day. Dogfish are excluded. How do you tell a dogfish from other sharks. I'm talking about the 2-3-ft sharks caugt inshore. I have always been under the impression they have no teeth just a sort of gristle on their gums. Am I correct? . If not how do you identify?


Dave

[racn35]

as far as I know you are correct......no teeth its a dogfish.......





they also have that spine kinda like a catfish in front of the fins- called FIN SPINE in the pic below-

[racn35]

another link to try out-
Zoom Sharks - Enchanted Learning Software

[Dipperdoo]

Smooth dogfish don't have the "typical shark teeth" (the kind that can inflict bodily harm), but do not have spines. Spiny dogs have somewhat similar teeth and have spines in front of both dorsals, typically have white spots on them as well. Fishbase.org has some decent guides.

Also anything other than sharpnose and bonnetheads must be 54 inches fork.

[bountyhunter39]

Spiny do have teeth but smooth do not . Spiney are not caught in the wamer waters like smooth are. Spiney are usauly caught in the cooler months when the fall & spring run of stripers start.

[anglerdave]

I'm back.
Thanx for the info I didn't kniow about the spines in front of the fins.
I've never heard of a spiny dog being caught inshore. I always thought the were an off shore fish and preferred colder water.

Tahnx again
Dave

[OffTheHook II]

Spiny do have teeth but smooth do not . Spiney are not caught in the wamer waters like smooth are. Spiney are usauly caught in the cooler months when the fall & spring run of stripers start.

We catch a load of the spiny variety in the late fall/winter when Toggin or Cod fishing.

[69Camaro]

Here's a closeup of the spine from one I caught off Ocean City this past November.

[OffTheHook II]

That spine is NASTY

[PlaynHooky]

YES IT IS NASTY AND THERE ARE 2 OF THEM SO WATCH OUT!!! They are pretty tastey though......