Spiny Dogfish
Spiny dogfish are a small, migratory shark found around much of the New Zealand coastline.
They're a common bycatch for surfcasters and bottom fishers, and while not a primary target species, they turn up regularly enough — especially at night — that any angler fishing inshore or deeper coastal water should know what they're dealing with, including those distinctive dorsal spines.
Scientific Name: Squalus acanthias
Also known as Spurdog, Spineback, Spiky Dogfish, Spiky, Spotted Spiny Dogfish, Southern Spiny Dogfish
- Brown-grey back with scattered white spots and a white belly; the Northern Spiny Dogfish is plain grey with no spots — a useful field distinction between the two forms.
- Two dorsal fins, each preceded by a sharp, ungrooved spine — the defining feature that separates dogfish from similar small sharks like rig (lemonfish), which lack these spines.
- Slim build with a narrow, pointed snout; females grow larger than males, reaching around 1.2 m, while males top out closer to 1 m.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- The Southern Spiny Dogfish concentrates in the colder waters off the south and east coasts of the South Island, typically at depths of 150–200 metres.
- The Northern Spiny Dogfish occurs around Cook Strait, the North Island coast, and the Chatham Islands — a closely related but distinct form.
- Common around most of the New Zealand shoreline as a migratory species; surfcasting beaches see them regularly, particularly after dark when they move toward the surface.
Key Locations
- South and east coasts of the South Island — core habitat for the southern form, particularly at depth.
- Cook Strait — a consistent area for the northern form, encountered by both commercial and recreational fishers.
- North Island coastline and Chatham Islands — range of the Northern Spiny Dogfish, turning up as bycatch across inshore fisheries.
- Surfcasting beaches nationwide — encountered after dark along much of the New Zealand shoreline.
Specific Spots
- Surfcasting beaches at night — dogfish move shallower after dark and are frequently encountered by anglers targeting other species from the shore.
- Deeper coastal bottom structure in the South Island's south and east — rocky reef edges and sandy bottom at depth hold fish during the day.
- Cook Strait and the lower North Island coast are consistent areas for the northern form, particularly over mixed bottom.
Spiny Dogfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Spiny Dogfish?
Cut fish bait (kahawai, mackerel, pilchard) and fresh squid are the most consistent producers, dogfish respond well to scent-based baits fished on the bottom.
When is the best time to fish for Spiny Dogfish?
Present year-round in their core South Island range, with migratory movement meaning inshore encounters vary by season. Surfcasting encounters are most common at night regardless of season, summer nights on open beaches produce regular bycatch.
How do you catch Spiny Dogfish?
Most anglers encounter spiny dogfish as bycatch while surfcasting or bottom fishing for other species at night. Those specifically targeting them fish cut bait or squid on a running sinker rig from shore or a boat over sandy or mixed bottom, particularly after dark when dogfish move inshore.
What do Spiny Dogfish eat?
Dogfish eat a wide range of bottom-dwelling prey, small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They'll take cut bait and whole small fish readily, which is why they show up as bycatch on rigs meant for other species. Fresh squid or fish strips are reliable baits if you're specifically targeting them.
Where do Spiny Dogfish live?
The Southern Spiny Dogfish concentrates in the colder waters off the south and east coasts of the South Island, typically at depths of 150–200 metres. The Northern Spiny Dogfish occurs around Cook Strait, the North Island coast, and the Chatham Islands, a closely related but distinct form.
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