The Spiny Dogfish is colored slate grey with a pale belly, and the young have white spots. They are found worldwide, generally at depths of around 60 feet.

The diet of the Spiny Dogfish includes fish, squid, shrimp, clams, etc. They are often caught in New Jersey waters during early spring and late fall on the open bottom near wrecks and structure. Beware of the spines located just forward of the two dorsal fins.