Average length 70-100cmAverage weight 3-4kg
Occurs almost worldwide in cool temperature waters. Brownish-grey above, with several white spots, white below. Distinguished from the school shark and rig by the presents of dorsal fin spines.
Most common off the south and east coasts of the South Island, 100-700m; also occurs on Catham Rise and northern Campbell Platau. Caught mainly by trawling as a by-catch; landed all year round. Resource size unknown, probably moderate.
The related northern spiny dogfish is grey above with no white spots, and occurs around the North Island 150-250m but at present has no commercial value. The shovelnose spiny dogfish is a deepwater species with a flat snout, light to medum grayish-brown colour, and soft, easily damaged skin.
Moderately common in some areas around New Zealand in depths 500-800m. Resource size probably moderate. The same species occurs in the northern hemisphere.
