Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Shark

Size: Males grow up to 3.3 feet, and females grow up to 4 feet; Life Span: 25 to 100 years; Range: North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans

Download the coloring page here.

The Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Shark (Squalus acanthias) is thought to be the most well-researched shark species in the world. They are considered one of the most abundant living shark species in the ocean, but are harmless to humans. Dogfish sharks can be found anywhere from the surface to more than 3,000 feet (914 m) deep. Dogfish were named after their tendency to hunt in dog-like packs. Female spiny dogfish are pregnant for 18 to 24 months, giving them one of the longest gestation periods of any vertebrate. Spiny dogfish have sharp, venomous spines in front of both dorsal fins. Dogfish don’t actually have any bones! Their skeleton is made from cartilage which is the same substance you have in your nose!