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The Starry Smooth-hound (Mustelus asterias) is a species of ground shark belonging to the family Triakidae. It is characterized by its slender body, blunt snout, and distinctive white spots scattered across its dorsal surface, resembling stars. This species is a relatively small shark, typically found in coastal waters of the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. It is a bottom-dwelling predator, primarily feeding on crustaceans and other benthic invertebrates. Unlike many other sharks, smooth-hounds possess flattened, pavement-like teeth adapted for crushing shells rather than sharp, pointed teeth for tearing flesh. They are viviparous, giving birth to live young.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Dorsal surface grey to grey-brown, often with numerous small, distinct white spots (star-like). Ventral surface is white or off-white. Spots are generally more prominent in younger individuals and can fade with age.
- Scale type
- placoid
- Mouth position
- inferior
- Distinctive features
- Slender, fusiform body, Blunt, rounded snout, Absence of an anal fin, Two dorsal fins of similar size, Distinctive white spots on dorsal surface, Pavement-like teeth
- Dorsal fin
- Two dorsal fins, roughly equal in size. The first dorsal fin originates over the pectoral fin bases. The second dorsal fin is slightly smaller than the first and originates over the pelvic fin bases.
- Tail fin
- Heterocercal caudal fin, with the upper lobe significantly longer than the lower lobe, and a distinct subterminal notch.
- Pectoral fin
- Broad and triangular, moderately sized.
- Distinctive fins
- No anal fin. Pelvic fins are relatively small and located midway between the pectoral and anal fin positions of other sharks.
Identification Tips
White Spots
Look for numerous small, distinct white spots scattered across the grey or grey-brown dorsal surface. These are the most reliable distinguishing feature.
Snout Shape
The snout is relatively short and blunt, not pointed.
Teeth
If possible to examine, the teeth are small, flattened, and pavement-like, designed for crushing, not sharp and pointed.
Absence of Anal Fin
A key characteristic of all smooth-hounds (genus Mustelus) is the complete absence of an anal fin.
Dorsal Fins
Two dorsal fins of similar size, with the first originating over the pectoral fin bases.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters from 5 to 100 meters (16 to 328 feet), but can occur down to 200 meters (656 feet).
- Environment
- Demersal, inhabiting sandy, muddy, and gravelly bottoms. Often found near rocky reefs and seagrass beds where prey is abundant.
- Geographic range
- Northeast Atlantic Ocean, from the British Isles south to Morocco, including the Mediterranean Sea. Also found around the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 2000 gallons
- Temperature: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
- pH level: 7.8-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Not suitable for typical home aquariums due to size and specialized needs. May be kept in very large public aquariums with appropriate tank mates (other large, robust species).
- Special requirements: Requires a very large, well-filtered, and mature marine aquarium with ample swimming space and a soft substrate. Diet must consist of a variety of fresh or frozen seafood. Sensitive to water quality and stress. Not recommended for private aquarists.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Can be caught year-round, but often more prevalent in coastal waters during warmer months when they move into shallower areas for breeding and feeding.
- Market price: Variable, often sold as 'flake' or 'rock salmon'
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, slightly sweet
- Texture: Firm, flaky, white flesh
- Cooking methods: Frying, Grilling, Baking, Steaming
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein, low in fat. Contains Omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Starry Appearanceinteresting
The common name 'Starry Smooth-hound' comes from the distinctive white spots on its back, which resemble stars against a night sky.
Crushing Teethbehavior
Unlike many other sharks, Starry Smooth-hounds have flattened, pavement-like teeth perfectly adapted for crushing the shells of crabs, lobsters, and other hard-shelled prey.
Viviparous Reproductionbehavior
This species is viviparous, meaning the embryos develop inside the mother and are nourished by a yolk-sac placenta, giving birth to live, fully formed young.
No Anal Fininteresting
A key identifying feature of all smooth-hounds (genus Mustelus) is the complete absence of an anal fin, which helps distinguish them from many other shark species.
Bottom Dwellerbehavior
Starry Smooth-hounds are demersal sharks, spending most of their time on or near the seabed, where they hunt for their invertebrate prey.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: Generally docile and not considered dangerous to humans. However, like all sharks, they should be handled with care to avoid accidental injury from their rough skin (denticles) or a bite if provoked. Use appropriate handling techniques if caught, and release quickly and gently.
Similar Species
Common Smooth-hound
Mustelus mustelus
Lacks the distinct white spots of the Starry Smooth-hound. Generally uniform grey or grey-brown coloration. Can be difficult to distinguish without close examination, but the presence or absence of spots is key.
Blackspotted Smooth-hound
Mustelus punctulatus
Has small, dark spots (black or dark brown) on its dorsal surface, rather than white spots. Geographic range overlaps in parts of the Mediterranean.
Tope Shark
Galeorhinus galeus
Has an anal fin (which smooth-hounds lack). Possesses sharp, pointed teeth, unlike the pavement-like teeth of smooth-hounds. Generally larger and more slender with a more pointed snout.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Triakidae
- Genus
- Mustelus
- Species
- Mustelus asterias
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