Smooth-hound (Mustelus mustelus) fish species and information / pictures of Smooth-hound - Mustelus mustelus

Smooth-hound (Mustelus mustelus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Mustelus mustelus

Common Name
Smooth-hound

Biology
Found on the continental shelves and uppermost slopes, from the intertidal region to at least 350 m depth (Ref. 244). Collected to depth of 624 m in the eastern Ionian Sea (Ref. 56504). Sometimes in midwater but prefers to swim near the bottom (Ref. 244). Feeds mainly on crustaceans, but also cephalopods and bony fishes (Ref. 244). Viviparous, with a yolk-sac placenta (Ref. 244). Taken by shore and ski-boat anglers (Ref. 5578). Utilized for human consumption, oil, and fishmeal (Ref. 244). Sexual maturity is reached at a length of 70-80 cm (Ref. 35388).

Classification

Classified By
Linnaeus, 1758
Class
Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)
Order
Ground sharks (Carcharhiniformes)
Family
Houndsharks (Triakidae)

Distribution

Region
Eastern Atlantic
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: British Isles and France to South Africa, including the Mediterranean, Madeira and the Canary Islands. Often referred to as Mustelus canis which is restricted to the western Atlantic.
Range
58°N - 34°S, 19°W - 36°E

Environment

Climate
Subtropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
5 m
Depth To - meters
624 m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range 5 - 624 m (Ref. 56504), usually 5 - 50 m (Ref. 244)
Trophic Level
3.83 s.e. 0.50 Based on diet studies.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
200 cm
Common Length
100.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: highly commercial; gamefish: yes
Vulnerability
High to very high vulnerability (74 of 100)
Resilience
Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (K=0.06-0.12; tm=6-15; tmax=24; Fec=4)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Vulnerable (VU) (A2bd+3bd+4bd)