Packs a sting
skin of its captor.
At the base of the spines is a gland that secretes a mild venom and this can cause some discomfort to humans.
This particular dogfish was one of many that were caught on a line while folk were fishing for blue cod.
These sharks were so plentiful that it was almost impossible to catch a cod as the dogfish seemed to be able to get to the bait first.
Soon after it was released from the hook, this spiny dogfish gave birth to the young dogfish with its yolk sac still attached. This was obviously a premature birth as the young dogfish usually remain in the mother until the yolk sac is absorbed.
Most likely, this young dogfish would not have survived for long in the open sea but it was interesting to observe that, even with the yolk sac attached, it could swim very well.
Spiny dogfish break records when it comes to gestation.
Their pregnancy can last up to two years, the longest of any vertebrate. Their life span can be between 60 and 100 years.
Overseas, in many countries, the spiny dogfish is considered to be a good food fish.
The white fillets are firm and boneless, and if frozen as soon as possible after being caught, they can be cooked by all methods. In New Zealand we seem to have a dislike for shark flesh but maybe we are missing out on a good tasty food source.
Automotive ‘‘pop-up’’ stores are becoming a thing in New Zealand. Auckland-based luxury car dealership Giltrap Group reckons it might have the ultimate expression of the concept with a roadshow that’s running from November 13-24.
The Group is taking 10 cars from its ‘‘super luxury’’ brands Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini and McLaren to Queenstown, then north to Christchurch and Wellington.
While the Group has sole dealership rights for these brands in a new building in Auckland, its buyers come from all over the country.
Super-wealthy owners of super-luxury and super-sports cars don’t always want to come to the dealership. Often the dealership has to come to them.
Giltrap Group already runs remote service clinics for these high-end vehicles throughout the country. The roadshow is also a regular event, every couple of years.
This year, in each location there will be a pop-up dealership, with a day of display and a day of driving for potential buyers.
The drive event near Queenstown will be at Highlands Motorsport Park, while the Christchurch and Wellington days will be on pre-set road routes.
The fleet comprises Aston
Where to see the cars
Martins Vantage, DB11 and DBS Superleggera, Bentleys Continental GT and Bentayga (petrol and diesel), Lamborghinis Huracan/ Aventador (to be confirmed) and Urus, and the McLaren 570 Spyder and 720S.
Total value of the cars is in excess of $4 million. More importantly, total power output is in excess of 4500kW.
Logistics for the event have involved a four-month planning period, 42 flights and 74 hotel rooms.
Obviously, you have to spend money to take expensive cars to people with money. As the old saying goes.