The largespine velvet dogfish (Zameus squamulosus) is a deepwater shark species found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, typically inhabiting depths between 200 and 1,000 meters. Recognizable by its dark, velvety skin and relatively large dorsal fin spines, this elusive shark is not a primary target of commercial fisheries but is often caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries. The main countries involved in harvesting the largespine velvet dogfish include Japan, New Zealand, and Portugal, where deepwater fishing fleets operate. In these regions, the species may be utilized for fishmeal, oil, or occasionally for human consumption, though its economic importance remains minor compared to other deep-sea sharks. The fishing industry targeting deepwater sharks, including the largespine velvet dogfish, faces increasing scrutiny due to concerns about the sustainability and vulnerability of these slow-growing species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.