Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Centrophoridae
- Genus
- Squalus
- Species
- griffini
Habitat
This species inhabits deep oceanic waters, primarily on continental slopes and rises in the Pacific Ocean around New Zealand, including areas like the Chatham Rise and Norfolk Ridge. It prefers depths between 200 and 1500 meters, often over rocky or muddy substrates. These environments provide ample prey and protection from surface predators.
Diet
The Northern spiny dogfish primarily feeds on small fish such as lanternfish and myctophids, as well as squid and crustaceans. It uses ambush tactics to capture prey in mid-water or near the seafloor. Feeding activity peaks at night when the shark is more active.
Behavior
Northern spiny dogfish are often found in schools, which aids in protection and coordinated hunting. They are primarily nocturnal, actively foraging at night and resting in deeper waters during the day. This species exhibits migratory behavior to follow food sources and is not particularly territorial.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.