Hawaiian spurdog
📖 Overview
Hawaiian spurdog (Squalus hawaiiensis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Squalidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 101 cm. With a trophic level of 4.2, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This large species of Squalus of the ‘mitsukurii group’ is distinguished by the following set of characters: body is relatively slender, trunk height 8.7-12.4% TL (mean 10.1% TL); snout angular and short to moderate in length, its mouth width 1.35-1.60 (1.48) times horizontal prenarial length and pre-oral length 1.92-2.06 (1.97) times the prenarial length; pre-first dorsal length 30.3-31.5 (30.2)% TL; pre-second dorsal length 63.6-67.0 (65.5)% TL; interdorsal space 26.7-30.0 (28.6)% TL; pelvic-caudal space 25.2-29.3 (27.1)% TL; dorsal fins relatively small and upright; first dorsal fin length 11.4-12.8 (12.2)% TL, height 6.5-7.8 (7.3)% TL, with inner margin length 4.9-5.7 (5.4)%% TL; second dorsal fin length 10.6-11.7 (11.1)% TL, its height 4.0-4.6 (4.4)% TL and inner margin length 4.3-4.9 (4.6)% TL; first dorsal fin spine length 46.6-64.6 (55.6)% of first dorsal fin height; second dorsal spine length 104.5-114.5 (109.0)% of second dorsal fin height; caudal bar triangular, extending from caudal fork nearly to the anterior edge of the lower caudal, distinct upper caudal blotch and fringe present in juveniles, upper caudal blotch diffuse in adults but extending to posterior margin of the upper caudal fin, the upper and lower caudal fins white tipped; flank denticles tricuspid; teeth similar in appearance in upper and lower jaws, numbers ranging from 26-28 in the upper jaw and 23 in the lower; monospondylous centra 41-42, precaudal centra 85-89, total centra 112-116 .Cross section: angular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Hawaiian spurdog is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic. Tropical Central Pacific: Hawaii.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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