Squalus Hima

Squalus Hima is a unique species of dogfish shark, characterized by specific features like the number of precaudal vertebrae, total vertebrae, teeth count, trunk and head heights, fin structure, and fin color.
It belongs to the genus Squalus, which is part of the family Squalidae.
It is commonly known as spurdogs and are characterized by smooth dorsal fin spines.
Squalus Hima inhabits deep-water regions along the Arabian Sea, off the southwest coast of India, adding to the diversity of dogfish sharks in this region.
Its distinguishing features include an angular short snout, a small mouth almost as wide as the snout, first dorsal fin origin behind the pectoral fins, and a body without any spots.

Conservation and Economic Implications

Species from the genus Squalus, along with Centrophorus, are harvested for their liver oil, rich in squalene, a highly sought-after substance used in high-end cosmetic and anticancer products.
The conservation of these species is critical, as they are commercially important and sometimes caught as by-catch in fisheries targeting other species.

Dogfish sharks belong to the genus Squalus and family Squalidae.
They have a slender body, smooth dorsal fin spines, an angular short snout, and a small mouth almost as wide as the snout.
They inhabit deep waters, typically between 200-400 meters, in oceans worldwide.
They are ovoviviparous, meaning they produce eggs that hatch inside the mother’s body, and give birth to live young.
They are one of the few venomous shark species, possessing small spines in their dorsal fins that deliver a mild venom.
They are generally solitary animals, but sometimes gather in large schools for feeding or mating.

16 July 2024:
- Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have made a significant discovery, identifying a new species of deep-water dogfish shark, Squalus Hima, off the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea.
- This finding is crucial for the conservation of shark species, as dogfish sharks are commercially exploited for their fins, liver oil, and meat.