Squalus acanthias

Jones and Geen (1976) re-evaluated the taxonomy of Squalus acanthias in the northeastern Pacific Ocean to conclude the recognition of the species Squalus suckleyi. Ebert et al. (2010) also conclude to recognize the north Pacific taxon as distinct from S. acanthias. Verissimo et al. (2010) outline two genetically distinct groups - one for the north Pacific and one from the south Pacific/Atlantic locations. These latter authors conclude that the available data strongly argue for the taxonomic separation of S. suckleyi from S. acanthias. This record represents the division of the two taxon as separate species.

Although it has a very wide global distribution that encompasses coastal areas of much of the Atlantic Ocean, overfishing has threatened the species to the point of possible collapse.

Following Jones and Geen (1976), Ebert et al. (2010) , and Verissimo et al. (2010), this species is known from the south Pacific and Atlantic oceans, whereas north Pacific populations are assigned to Squalus suckleyi (see Taxonomy Comments). Specimens are known from Maine to South Carolina along the U.S. Atlantic coast (where they are highly migratory), as well as Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, and Scotland (Florida Museum of Natural History, undated). The range also includes most of the European coast, including the Mediterranean Sea. Occurs in inshore and offshore waters over the continental shelf to depths of 900 m; prefers full-strength seawater though can tolerate brackish water.

This is a commercially important food fish. Because it is slow to mature and produces few young, this species is extremely vulnerable to overfishing and may be on the brink of collapse (Florida Museum of Natural History, undated). Commercial fishermen target mature females because they grow to larger sizes than males.