Velvet dogfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Velvet dogfish |
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| Genus: |
Zameus
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| Species: |
squamulosus
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The velvet dogfish (Zameus squamulosus) is a small, harmless shark. It is the only known member of its group, called Zameus. This shark belongs to a family of sharks known as sleeper sharks. They are often called "sleeper sharks" because they tend to move slowly.
You can find the velvet dogfish in oceans all around the world. It lives in both the northern and southern parts of the globe. This amazing shark can be found from the ocean's surface down to very deep waters, sometimes as far as 2,000 meters (about 6,500 feet) deep! It usually grows to about 84 centimeters (33 inches) long.
Most sharks in the sleeper shark family do not glow. However, the velvet dogfish is special. It has tiny organs on its belly called photophores. These organs can produce light, making the shark glow in the dark ocean depths.
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About the Velvet Dogfish
The velvet dogfish is a unique type of shark. It is known for its dark, velvety skin, which gives it its name. This shark is not dangerous to humans. It spends most of its life in the deep ocean, far away from people.
Where the Velvet Dogfish Lives
This shark has a very wide home range. It can be found in many different oceans. This includes parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It prefers cooler waters, which is why it lives in deep areas or in regions further from the equator.
How the Velvet Dogfish Reproduces
The velvet dogfish reproduces in a special way called ovoviviparous. This means that the mother shark carries her eggs inside her body. The baby sharks hatch from the eggs while still inside the mother. They then grow and develop until they are ready to be born alive. This method helps protect the young sharks as they grow.
Protecting the Velvet Dogfish
In some places, like New Zealand, scientists are still learning about the velvet dogfish. In 2018, New Zealand's Department of Conservation listed the velvet dogfish as "Data Deficient." This means there isn't enough information yet to know if the shark's population is safe or if it needs more protection. Scientists continue to study these deep-sea creatures to learn more about them.
