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The Spotted smooth-hound (Mustelus lenticulatus) is a species of ground shark belonging to the family Triakidae. It is characterized by its slender body, flattened head, and distinctive white spots scattered across its dorsal surface. This species is endemic to the waters around New Zealand and is a common inhabitant of coastal and shelf environments. It is a relatively small to medium-sized shark, typically reaching lengths of up to 1.5 meters. Its diet primarily consists of benthic invertebrates and small fish, which it locates using its keen sense of smell and electroreception. The Spotted smooth-hound is viviparous, giving birth to live young after a gestation period of approximately 11-12 months. It plays an important ecological role as a mesopredator in its ecosystem.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Dorsal surface grey to grey-brown, covered with numerous small, distinct white spots. Ventral surface is white. Spots are generally smaller and more numerous than in some other smooth-hound species.
- Scale type
- placoid
- Mouth position
- subterminal
- Distinctive features
- Numerous small, distinct white spots on the dorsal surface, Slender body, Flattened head with a short, rounded snout, Absence of fin spines, Asymmetrical caudal fin with a well-developed ventral lobe
- Dorsal fin
- Two dorsal fins of similar 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 (asymmetrical) caudal fin with a distinct ventral lobe and a subterminal notch on the dorsal lobe.
- Pectoral fin
- Broad and triangular, moderately large.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are relatively small. Anal fin is present and smaller than the second dorsal fin.
Identification Tips
Dorsal Spotting
Look for numerous, small, distinct white spots scattered across the grey to grey-brown dorsal surface. This is the most reliable distinguishing feature.
Snout Shape
Observe the short, rounded snout, which is characteristic of Mustelus species.
Absence of Spines
Confirm the absence of spines anterior to the dorsal fins, differentiating it from dogfish species (Squalidae).
Teeth
The teeth are small, blunt, and pavement-like, adapted for crushing crustaceans and mollusks, rather than sharp, pointed teeth for tearing fish.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found from the intertidal zone down to depths of approximately 800 meters, most commonly on the continental shelf and upper slope.
- Environment
- Benthic and demersal, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds. Often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and bays.
- Geographic range
- Endemic to the waters around New Zealand, including the North and South Islands, Stewart Island, and the Chatham Rise.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and specialized needs. Public aquariums require tanks of several thousand gallons.
- Temperature: 10-18°C (50-64°F)
- pH level: 8.0-8.4
- Hardness: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibility: Generally peaceful with other large, non-aggressive marine species, but requires careful consideration of tank mates to prevent predation on smaller fish or competition with other sharks.
- Special requirements: Requires very large, specialized cold-water marine aquariums with excellent filtration, strong water movement, and a deep sand bed for foraging. Not recommended for private aquarists.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Can be caught year-round, but fishing effort and catch rates may vary seasonally due to weather conditions and reproductive cycles. Peak catches often occur during warmer months.
- Market price: Variable, depends on local market and demand. Often sold as 'flake' or 'lemon fish'.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, slightly sweet
- Texture: Firm, flaky, white flesh
- Cooking methods: Fried, Baked, Grilled, Smoked
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein, low in fat. Contains Omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
New Zealand Endemicinteresting
The Spotted smooth-hound is found exclusively in the waters surrounding New Zealand, making it a unique part of the country's marine biodiversity.
Pavement Teethbehavior
Unlike many sharks with sharp, pointed teeth, the Spotted smooth-hound possesses small, blunt, pavement-like teeth perfectly adapted for crushing the shells of crabs, lobsters, and other hard-shelled invertebrates.
Live Birthbehavior
This species is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live, fully developed young, rather than laying eggs. This reproductive strategy is common among many shark species.
Sensory Pitsbehavior
Like other sharks, Mustelus lenticulatus possesses ampullae of Lorenzini, specialized electroreceptors that allow it to detect the weak electrical fields produced by prey, even when buried in sand.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: Generally docile and poses no threat to humans. Can be handled safely if caught, but like all sharks, care should be taken to avoid accidental injury from thrashing or rough skin. Release quickly and carefully if not intended for consumption.
Similar Species
Starry smooth-hound
Mustelus asterias
Found in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean. While also spotted, the spots are typically larger and less numerous than those of M. lenticulatus. Geographic range is the primary differentiator.
Grey smooth-hound
Mustelus californicus
Found in the Eastern Pacific. Lacks distinct white spots, generally uniform grey or brownish coloration. Geographic range is also distinct.
Gummy shark
Mustelus antarcticus
Found in southern Australian waters. While sometimes spotted, the spots are often less distinct or absent, and its geographic range is primarily Australia, though there can be some overlap in the Tasman Sea. M. lenticulatus typically has more pronounced and numerous spots.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Triakidae
- Genus
- Mustelus
- Species
- lenticulatus
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