Atlantic Smooth Dogfish vs Red Fox

Mustelus canis compared with Vulpes vulpes

Key Differences

• Atlantic Smooth Dogfish is Near Threatened while Red Fox is Least Concern.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Atlantic Smooth Dogfish	Red Fox
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fish)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Carcharhiniformes (Ground Sharks)	Carnivora (Carnivorans)
Family	Triakidae	Canidae (Dogs & Wolves)
Genus	Mustelus	Vulpes (Foxes)
Species	Mustelus canis	Vulpes vulpes

Evolutionary Relationship

Atlantic Smooth Dogfish and Red Fox share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

Atlantic Smooth Dogfish

NT — Near Threatened

Red Fox

LC — Least Concern

Trend: Stable →

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Atlantic Smooth Dogfish	Red Fox
Diet	—	Omnivore
Average Lifespan	—	5 years
Average Length	—	70 cm
Average Weight	—	6.0 kg

Habitat & Geographic Range

Atlantic Smooth Dogfish

Habitat

Typically found in marine environments from coastal waters to deep ocean.

Range

Found in Venezuela. Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

Red Fox

Habitat

Typically found in a wide range of habitat types.

Range

Widely distributed across Asia (Cyprus, Israel), Europe (8 countries), North America (United States), Oceania and the Pacific (Australia), and South America (Argentina).

Atlantic Smooth Dogfish

The Atlantic Smooth Dogfish (Mustelus canis) is a species in the genus Mustelus. It is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Typically found in marine environments from coastal waters to deep ocean.

Red Fox

The most widespread wild carnivore on Earth, red foxes have colonized habitats from Arctic tundra to urban environments across the Northern Hemisphere and introduced ranges in Australia. Recognized by their russet coat, white belly, and bushy tail. Highly adaptable omnivores, red foxes eat everything from rabbits and voles to fruit and human refuse. They communicate with over 40 distinct vocalizations.