Black-mouthed Dogfish
The Blackmouth Dogfish (Galeus melastomus) can grow to 90cm. It is more pedantically known as the Black-mouthed Catshark.
Identification[]
The inside of the mouth is black, and the mouth is set well back from the snout (see picture)
Inside mouth of BMD
which are the distinguishing features between this species and the Bull Huss (Sycliorhinus stellaris) and the Lesser Spotted Dogfish (Sycliorhinus canicula).
The upper and lower sides of the body are grey to dark brown and support a series of well defined dark saddle blotches and circular spots. These round patches vary in number with age, with juveniles having less than mature fish.
Breeding[]
Oviparous (egg laying) Maximum number of eggs laid per season 13, usually in the summer. Females mature at 40-45cm.
Habitat[]
A deep water shark found at depths between 200 to 500m and occasionally up to 55m. Found on the outer continental shelf and upper slopes. Most angler encounters are in Scottish sea lochs.
Food[]
Small boney fishes, crustaceans (shrimps, prawns, crabs and squat lobsters), and other small elasmobranchs
Range[]
Faroe Islands, North Sea, British Isles and down to Senegal, including the Mediterranean.
References[]
The Aquarium Project