Spiny Dogfish Shark
By: Lauryn Sweet
Spiny Dogfish Label
Organs and their Functions
Gallbladder- functions in storage and flotation; has 3 lobes that functions in the storage of bile secreted from the liver
Heart- has two halves- atrium and ventricles; is a specialized muscle
Kidney- salt and water balance, eliminates the waste
Liver- it produces bile and stores all fatty reserves and energy, it also has oils to keep the shark buoyant
Pancreas- long and thin organ, produces hormones and digestive enzymes to help break down fats in the stomach
Small intestine- absorbs nutrients and minerals
Large intestine- absorbs the waste
Stomach- J-shaped organ; functions in digestion
Esophagus- connects the mouth to the stomach
Rectum- functions in the storage of solid waste
Claspers- assist in sperm transfer during mating; found in males only
Lateral line- a sensory organ that detects water movement
Gills- how the shark breathes
Habitat
- they are located in water between 45-59 degrees Fahrenheit
- they venture into brackish water
- they are mostly bottom-dwellers, they dwell into depths up to 2,400 feet from the surface
Life Span
Dogfish shark's estimated life span range from 25-100 years.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
SubPhylum: Vertebrata
Class: Chondrichthyes
SubClass: Elasmobranchii
Order: Squaliformes
Family: Squalidae
Genus: Squalus
Species: Acanthias