Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Centrophoridae
- Genus
- Deania
- Species
- calcea
Habitat
This species inhabits deep oceanic waters, primarily on continental slopes and over submarine ridges at depths of 200 to 1,500 meters. It prefers cooler temperatures and is found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, often in areas with soft substrates like mud or sand.
Diet
The birdbeak dogfish primarily feeds on bony fish, squid, and other cephalopods, using its sharp teeth to capture prey in the dark depths. It is a nocturnal hunter, actively foraging at night when prey is more abundant. Feeding behavior involves ambushing from the seafloor or midwater pursuits.
Behavior
The birdbeak dogfish is primarily solitary, spending much of its time near the ocean floor in search of food. It exhibits nocturnal activity patterns, becoming more active at night, and is not known for territorial behavior but may migrate seasonally with water temperatures. This species is generally elusive and avoids interaction with other marine life except during feeding.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.