dogfish

A "dogfish" isn't your cuddly canine companion! It's actually a type of small shark, most commonly referring to the Squalus acanthias, also known as the spiny dogfish. These sharks live in many oceans, and the name may come from the way they often gather in groups, especially when feeding.

Historically, dogfish were considered a bit of a pest by fishermen, but today they're also caught for food. In Britain, you'll often find them sold as "rock salmon" (and sometimes used in fish and chips). So next time you order that classic dish, you might just be eating dogfish. Be careful, though—those spines on their fins can give you a painful puncture!

The term "dogfish" is a bit of a catch-all name for several species of small sharks, but it most often refers to the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). These aren't the fearsome great whites we see in movies; they typically grow to around 3–4 feet long and are relatively slender. They're found in temperate waters worldwide, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Mediterranean Sea.

What sets them apart is a sharp spine at the front edge of each dorsal fin—hence "spiny" dogfish! People sometimes describe the spines as venomous, but the main risk is a painful puncture. These sharks are known for schooling, often swimming in large groups that can look like packs of dogs (which may help explain the name). They're opportunistic feeders, consuming fish, crustaceans, and even squid.

Historically, spiny dogfish were often caught as bycatch—unintentionally snagged while fishing for other species. However, due to overfishing of larger sharks, they've become a more targeted catch in some areas, prized for their meat which is mild-flavored and versatile. In the UK and parts of Europe, it's commonly sold as "rock salmon" or used in fish and chips.

Interestingly, dogfish have an incredibly long gestation period—almost two years! They also exhibit a unique reproductive strategy called aplacental viviparity, meaning the embryos develop inside the mother but receive nourishment from yolk sacs rather than a placenta. This makes them vulnerable to overfishing as they reproduce slowly. So while enjoying your fish and chips, remember that sustainable sourcing is key when it comes to this often-misunderstood little shark!