The birdbeak dogfish has a very long, narrow snout, no anal fin, two long and low dorsal fins with grooved spines, small rectangular pectoral fins, and pitchfork-like denticles. It lives at depths between 73 and 1,450 m. It is ovoviviparous with up to 12 pups per litter. It eats bony fish and shrimp.[2]
A study published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom evaluated the reproductive strategy of the female deep-water shark birdbeak dogfish. This research article discovers that there is a close relationship that exists between Hg level of pregnant females and the Hg level of their embryos, which indicates that there is a transfer of mercury from maternal sources. Therefore, there is a matrophoric strategy for the birdbeak dogfish that are ovoviviparous.[4]
With the rise of fisheries, the birdbeak dogfish is being consumed at higher rates. It has been found to be a good source of minerals, such as potassium and sodium. However, there have been health risks associated with frequent consumption of female dogfish.[5]
^Paiva, R., Neves, A., Sequeira, V., Nunes, M., Gordo, L., & Bandarra, N. (2012). "Reproductive strategy of the female deep-water shark birdbeak dogfish, Deania calcea: Lecithotrophy or matrotrophy?" Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 92(2), 387-394. doi:10.1017/S0025315411001743
