dogfish

[dawg-fish, dog-]

noun

plural

dogfish ,

plural

dogfishes .

1. any of several small sharks, especially of the genera Mustelus and Squalus, that are destructive to food fishes.

2. any of various other fishes, such as the bowfin.

dogfish

/ ˈdɒɡˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any of several small spotted European sharks, esp Scyliorhinus caniculus ( lesser spotted dogfish ): family Scyliorhinidae

2. any small shark of the family Squalidae, esp Squalus acanthias ( spiny dogfish ), typically having a spine on each dorsal fin

3. any small smooth-skinned shark of the family Triakidae, esp Mustelus canis ( smooth dogfish or smooth hound )

4. a less common name for the bowfin

Word History and Origins

Origin of dogfish¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English; dog + fish

Example Sentences

Spiny dogfish, another threatened shark species—officially termed “vulnerable” by the IUCN—was detected in almost 90 percent of the fried fish sampled at dozens of fish-and-chip shops in the United Kingdom.

Read more on National Geographic

The fish sold through Fishadelphia includes well-known species like tuna or scallops and what Yi calls underutilized: species like dragon fish, dogfish, monkfish, skate and when those aren't available, clams and oysters.

Read more on Salon

The U.S. ban comes with a few exceptions, including allowing the sale of fins from certain dogfish sharks.

Read more on Washington Post

While I gawked at the scenery, Wong was busy prying spiny dogfish head sharks loose from our hooks — these bottom feeders are a common irritant while salmon fishing.

Read more on Seattle Times

“What are the larger sharks going to eat if there are no dogfish?” he persisted.

Read more on Literature