Bighead Spurdog

About the Bighead Spurdog

The Bighead Spurdog is a small dogfish species found in deep waters around New Caledonia, at depths ranging from 448 to 880 m (1,470–2,887 ft).

Very little is known about the species’ biology because it is known from only a limited number of specimens. As its name suggests, this shark has a large, broad head and long spines (spurs) on its two dorsal fins. It has both one-pointed and three-pointed dermal denticles covering its body, a feature that is unique among spurdogs. The species can reach at least 90 cm (35.4 in) in length.

Bighead spurdogs are sometimes caught as bycatch in longline fisheries targeting deepwater snapper. Little else is known about their population size or trends, so the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient. There are currently no species-specific conservation measures or monitoring programs in place.

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