ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FISHES

The Large Spotted Dogfish occupies a similar area of distribution to the Lesser Spotted Dogfish, but extends only as far as Dakar along the African coast and it is absent from the Black Sea. The two species have similar lifestyles, but the Large Spotted Dogfish has a preference for hard, rocky sea beds and it also eats more fish. The fishes can be distinguished from each other by the relative positioning of the anal and dorsal fins. In the Lesser Spotted Dogfish the second dorsal fin is situated on the base of the tail and only overlaps slightly with the posterior edge of the anal fin, whereas in the Large Spotted Dogfish it extends as far as the middle of the anal fin. The organization of the underside of the head also provides a differential character. In the Large Spotted Dogfish the nostril grooves do not lead right to the mouth, whereas in the Lesser Spotted Dogfish they do. Lastly, the markings of the two species are different, since the dark spots on the back, sides and fins of the Large Spotted Dogfish are much larger.

Breeding behaviour is similar in the two species; fertilization is internal, the females of both species can lay fertilized eggs up to a year after copulation and the eggs develop in egg cases. During copulation the male fish wraps its tail round the female fish to hold itself in place.

The Large Spotted Dogfish is not a frequent find in nets and the quality of its flesh is rather poor, so that it is economically unimportant. Because it is a small shark it is a favourite choice for inclusion in public marine aquaria.