Knifetooth dogfish
📖 Overview
A rare species inhabiting continental slopes . Usually mesopelagic although taken most often near the bottom . Its razor-edged lower teeth is used to attack and dismember large prey . Ovoviviparous . Utilized dried salted for human consumption and for fishmeal .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Anal spines: 0. Black in color; small dorsal fin spines; short snout; small lanceolate teeth without cusplets in upper jaw and huge high, knife-cusped cutting teeth in lower jaw; mouth very wide and broadly arched; caudal fin with weak subterminal notch and no lower lobe .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Knifetooth dogfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Probably ovoviviparous . Distinct pairing with embrace .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 200 - 1600 m , usually 550 - 1450 m . Deep-water; 61°N - 54°S, 18°W - 172°W Southwest Pacific: New Zealand (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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