Smooth Dogfish

About the Smooth Dogfish

The Smooth Dogfish is a sleek, slender shark typically olive grey or brown, often with shades of yellow or grayish white on its underside. Unlike many other sharks, its skin is notably smooth to the touch, lacking the rough dermal denticles. It possesses a blunt snout and small, flattened teeth, perfectly adapted for crushing the shells of its prey rather than tearing flesh.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

These sharks are commonly found in shallow, coastal waters over sandy or muddy bottoms. They frequent bays, estuaries, and nearshore ocean environments, often congregating around structures or in areas with abundant prey.

Distribution

The Smooth Dogfish has a broad distribution across the Western Atlantic, ranging from Nova Scotia, Canada, south along the U.S. East Coast, through the Gulf of Mexico, and down to Argentina.

Behaviour

Smooth Dogfish are opportunistic bottom feeders, primarily preying on crustaceans like crabs and lobsters, as well as mollusks and small fish. They often form schools, moving along the bottom in search of food. Females can live up to 16 years, while males typically have a lifespan of 10 years.

Edibility

★★★★★

When properly bled and iced immediately, the Smooth Dogfish offers firm, white, and flaky meat with a mild flavor, often compared to swordfish or other lean white fish. It’s excellent fried, grilled, or used in chowders.

Lure suggestion

For anglers targeting Smooth Dogfish, bottom fishing with natural baits is highly effective. Baits such as fresh clam, crab, squid, or strips of cut fish like mackerel or bunker work exceptionally well. A simple bottom rig with a weight appropriate for the current and a 2/0 to 5/0 circle hook is usually all that's needed.