Dogfish Sharks and Similar Species
Squaliformes
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Dogfish Sharks. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Hexanchiformes (Cow and Frilled Sharks)
Hexanchiformes
Key differences: Hexanchiformes possess an anal fin and typically have six or seven gill slits, whereas Squaliformes lack an anal fin and always have five gill slits.
Pristiophoriformes (Sawsharks)
Pristiophoriformes
Key differences: Sawsharks have a distinctive elongated, flattened snout with lateral teeth (a 'saw') and a pair of prominent barbels, features absent in Squaliformes. Sawsharks also have two dorsal fins without spines and lack an anal fin, similar to Squaliformes, but the saw-like snout is unmistakable.
Squatiniformes (Angelsharks)
Squatiniformes
Key differences: Angelsharks have a highly flattened, ray-like body form with large, wing-like pectoral fins, and their gill slits are located ventrally. Squaliformes have a more typical shark-like, fusiform body and lateral gill slits.
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