How to catch Shortnose spurdog
Squalus megalops (Macleay, 1881)
About Shortnose spurdog fishing
The shortnose spurdog is a small slender shark belonging to the family Squalidae, characterized by an elongated body, an angular short snout, and two dorsal fins each equipped with a prominent spine. Exhibiting a bronze-grey upper tone and a paler underbelly, this demersal species typically inhabits outer continental shelves and upper slopes across deep sublittoral zones down to considerable depths. Operating primarily as a nocturnal or crepuscular hunter, it feeds on bony fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods such as squid. Females grow larger and live longer than males, producing small litters through ovoviviparous reproduction after an extended gestation period.
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Difficulty
Medium
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Average size
56 cm
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Market value
Medium
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Habitat
Saltwater
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Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn
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Also known as
Bluntnose spiny dogfish, Dogfish, Dogshark, Greeneye, Piked dogfish, Piked spurdog
Heterocercal caudal
Upper lobe longer than lower lobe distinguishes this shark tail.
Pelvic position
Abdominal pelvic fins positioned far back along the belly.
Pelvic insertion
Pelvic insertion sits far behind the first dorsal fin origin.
Placoid scales
Fine dermal denticles cover the body like tiny teeth.
Shortnose spurdog fishing facts
Characteristics
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Typical size
56 cm (max 72 cm TL ) -
Typical weight
0.4 kg (max 2 kg ) -
Preferred temperature
12.8–22.8 °C -
Depth
30–750 m -
Longevity
32 years -
Body shape
Elongated -
Commercial?
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Vulnerability score
67.6
Best hours
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Active
Dawn
First light
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Low
Morning
After sunrise
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Low
Midday
High sun
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Low
Afternoon
Late day
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Peak
Dusk
Last light
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Peak
Night
After dark
When to fish for Shortnose spurdog
How to catch Shortnose spurdog
Tips for catching Shortnose spurdog
Anglers target this small shark using heavy bottom-fishing gear equipped with strong wire traces and large sharp hooks to counter their abrasive skin and teeth. Best results come from presenting oily fish baits like mackerel or whole squid strips allowed to release rich scent trails across deep tidal channels, drop-offs, and rough ground. Targeting deep water marks during strong tidal runs around dawn or dusk yields the most consistent sport, especially when the water is coloured following an onshore blow.
Other names for Shortnose spurdog
Local and alternate names anglers use for Shortnose spurdog.
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Shortnose spiny dogfish
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Shortnose spurdog
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Piked spurdog
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Piked dogfish
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Greeneye
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Dogshark
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Dogfish
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Spurdog
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Spiny dogfish
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Spiny dogshark
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Spikey dogfish
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Spikey
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Spikey dog
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Spiked dogfish
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Skittle dogfish
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Skittle dog
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Bluntnose spiny dogfish
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Tasmanian dogfish
Best equipment to catch Shortnose spurdog
Compare fishing methods for Shortnose spurdog — sized kit for each technique.
Note: Typical fish is 0.4 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.
Bottom Fishing
Presenting bait or rigs on or near the lake or sea floor.
85% Effectiveness
Rod
Spinning rod
A spinning rod is a fishing rod built to carry a spinning reel under the blank. You cast lures and light baits with it from shore or a boat.
Sized for a typical fish
ultralight · 1.8 m
- Reel seat
- Spinning
- Form factor
- Multi-piece
- Action
- Fast
- Grip
- EVA
Reel
Spinning reel
A spinning reel hangs under the fishing rod and is the default reel for casting lures and light baits. Line peels off an open spool with a bail.
Sized for a typical fish
1000 · 3 kg drag · 185 g
- Spool
- Fixed
- Mount
- Under
- Drag
- Front
- Retrieve
- Manual
Line
Monofilament line
Monofilament fishing line is the everyday main line: easy to knot, cheap to replace, and stretchy enough to forgive a hard strike.
Sized for a typical fish
1.3 kg · 0.125 mm
- Visibility
- Medium
- Abrasion
- Medium
- Stretch
- High
- Sink rate
- Slow
Leader
Fluorocarbon leader
A fluorocarbon leader is the clear, fast-sinking join between a visible main line and the lure or hook.
Sized for a typical fish
4 kg · 0.2 mm · 80 cm
- Visibility
- Very low
- Abrasion
- High
- Stretch
- Low
- Sink rate
- Fast
Hook
Circle hook
A circle hook turns in the mouth and usually finds the corner of the jaw. You do not strike hard — you come tight. It includes freshwater.
Sized for a typical fish
4
- Points
- 1
- Offset
- No
- Barbed
- Yes
- Gap
- Standard
Best lures and baits for Shortnose spurdog
Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.
01
Mackerel
- Bottom Fishing
Distinctive wavy dorsal stripes provide high contrast and flash underwater.
02
Squid
- Bottom Fishing
Elongated muscular body holds internal organs and secretes scent in the water.
03
Sardine
- Bottom Fishing
Elongated silvery baitfish body releases strong scent trails.
How Shortnose spurdog migrates — Inshore–offshore
Shifts between shallow inshore water and deeper offshore grounds with the season.
1 Warm months
Inshore
Stay close inshore through the warm months.
2 Cold months
Offshore
Move offshore into deeper water as it cools.
Hover or tap a number to read each stage.
Diet and behavior of Shortnose spurdog
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Diet
Top predator -
Feeds by
Hunts animals -
Hunts
Dusk · Night -
Main prey
Baitfish
Prey and predators of Shortnose spurdog
Prey is what Shortnose spurdog eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.
That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.
Prey
What it eats
Baitfish
Predators
What hunts it
Fish
Where Shortnose spurdog lives
Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.
30–750 m · usually 80–300 m
Where this species lives
Shortnose spurdog photos for identification
Compare these photos with the catalog plate to identify the species.
Where to fish for Shortnose spurdog
Mapped fishing spots where Shortnose spurdog is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.
