Distribution and Size
In the Mid-Atlantic Bight, the Chain dogfish is found along the outer continental shelf and upper slope. The shark occupies depths of 58 to 359 meters (190 to 1,178 ft) and occupies shallower depths in the northern region compared to southern areas. Due to the shark’s depth distribution, it has been suggested that the shark does not perform large-scale migrations.
Temperature is thought to limit the shark’s distribution in northern areas, particularly during the winter. Although bands of warm water at the edge of the shelf have been observed, the temperature varies seasonally, thus limiting this non-migratory species.
Sizes of the species range from 0.36 feet (0.11 m) (immature), to 1.5 feet (0.46 m) (adult). Females tend to be larger at maturity, being 1.7 feet (0.52 m) long compared to their male counterparts at 1.64 feet (0.50 m).
Read more about this topic: Chain Catshark
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