Sharks of Gibraltar
All species
Spiny Dogfish

Spiny Dogfish

Squalus acanthias

Not aggressive

A small, schooling shark with mildly venomous spines in front of each dorsal fin.

Maximum size

0.8–1.1 m

Aggressiveness

Not aggressive (due to their small size)

Habitat

Cool coastal and shelf waters, sometimes thousands of metres deep.

Ecology

One of the longest-lived sharks — individuals can exceed 70 years.

Feeding

Small fish, krill, jellyfish and squid.

Behaviour

Forms huge same-sex, same-size schools.

Safety notes for visitors

Risk to swimmers: NegligibleRisk to divers: NegligibleEncounter likelihood: Possible

Species-specific: Harmless when left alone, but the dorsal spines can deliver a painful sting if handled.

If you encounter one

  • Enjoy the sighting — these species are not considered dangerous to humans.
  • Keep a respectful distance; do not touch, grab or attempt to ride the animal.
  • Avoid blocking its path or cornering it against the seabed or a reef.
  • Report unusual or stranded individuals to GONHS or the Department of the Environment.

General visitor guidance

  • Swim, snorkel and dive in groups and stay close to the shore or your boat.
  • Avoid dawn, dusk and night — visibility is low and many sharks are most active.
  • Do not enter the water with open wounds or near fishing activity, bait or chum.
  • Remove shiny jewellery and avoid high-contrast clothing that can resemble prey.
  • If sharks are reported locally, follow guidance from Gibraltar Port Authority and lifeguards.

Conservation status

IUCN: Vulnerable.

Sources & Citations

Data compiled from peer-reviewed and authoritative open sources. Last reviewed 2026.