Smooth Dogfish

The smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis) is a small and slender shark characterized by its lack of spines on its two dorsal fins, which are nearly equal in size. It has a blunt snout, oval, cat-like eyes framed by spiracles, and a notched upper lobe on its tail fin with a rounded and much shorter lower lobe. Unlike many sharks with sharp, blade-like teeth, the smooth dogfish possesses flat, pavement-like teeth adapted for crushing the crustaceans and mollusks that make up most of its diet, Their coloration lends itself to blending with their environment and they can even change colour depending on their surroundings.

Smooth dogfish are found in the western Atlantic Ocean, commonly found in shallow coastal waters, bays, and on the continental shelf- often migrating seasonally between warmer inshore areas and cooler offshore waters.
They are currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. While they are often abundant and frequently caught in fisheries (both commercially and recreationally, sometimes as bycatch), their late maturation, low reproductive rate, and localized population declines raise concerns about their vulnerability to overfishing.

This accurately rendered natural science illustration is available on a variety of products, from fine art prints to everyday essentials, including, cards, journals, mugs, pillows, phone cases, t-shirts & hoodies, cutting boards & other home goods and tech accessories. Bringing the beauty of the ocean to your home and providing unique gifts for nature lovers, while helping to protect this important species. Museum quality prints of this nautical illustration are available framed or unframed in a range of sizes and styles.

🍃Sustainably printed, globally available fish art 🐟

🌎 %3 from all proceeds from my Shop go to support conservation groups, including 7 Clean Seas which is actively protecting the ocean habitat of this and other marine species 🌎