Blacktailed Spurdog

About the Blacktailed Spurdog

Blacktailed Spurdogs are known from New Caledonia and possibly Vanuatu in the Western Central Pacific Ocean. They have been recorded at depths between 34 and 790 m (112–2,592 ft), although most records come from depths between 200 and 650 m (656–2,133 ft).

Biology and Behaviour

Blacktailed spurdogs are small sharks that grow up to 75 cm (29.5 in) long. They have black tips on their dorsal and pectoral fins, a black dorsal caudal margin, and a black ventral caudal lobe. Their body is fairly slender, with a long, narrow snout.

They feed on shrimp, molluscs, and a variety of deepwater fishes, including lanternfishes, boarfishes, barracudas and flatheads. When captured, Blacktailed spurdogs defend themselves by whipping their bodies and their long second dorsal spine.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Blacktailed spurdogs are ovoviviparous, meaning that embryos develop inside the mother’s body and feed on yolk. A single pup was observed in one female specimen, but this observation is not enough to establish a common litter size for the species.

Conservation and Tourism

The IUCN currently lists Blacktailed Spurdogs as Data Deficient because. Blacktailed Spurdogs are not considered likely to be specifically targeted for use or trade. However, they may be caught as bycatch in the New Caledonian longline fishery for deepwater snapper. There are currently no conservation measures currently in place for this species.

Do you have images or videos of Blacktailed Spurdogs?
Submit them to [email protected].