How to Identify Starry Smooth-hound

To identify Starry Smooth-hound (Mustelus asterias), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   Snout Shape

   The snout is relatively short and blunt, not pointed.

3. 3

   Teeth

   If possible to examine, the teeth are small, flattened, and pavement-like, designed for crushing, not sharp and pointed.

4. 4

   Absence of Anal Fin

   A key characteristic of all smooth-hounds (genus Mustelus) is the complete absence of an anal fin.

5. 5

   Dorsal Fins

   Two dorsal fins of similar size, with the first originating over the pectoral fin bases.

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