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Mustelus mustelus, commonly known as the common smooth-hound, is a species of ground shark belonging to the family Triakidae. It is characterized by its slender body, greyish coloration, and distinctive pavement-like teeth adapted for crushing crustaceans and mollusks. Unlike many other sharks, it lacks spines on its dorsal fins, hence the 'smooth' in its common name. It is a viviparous species, giving birth to live young.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- Dorsal surface typically grey to grey-brown, sometimes with a faint bronze sheen. Ventral surface is off-white to pale grey. Juveniles may exhibit faint dark spots, which fade with age.
- Tipo di squame
- placoid
- Posizione della bocca
- inferior
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Slender, fusiform body., Absence of spines on dorsal fins., Blunt snout., Small, pavement-like teeth adapted for crushing., Two dorsal fins of similar size., Anal fin present.
- Pinna dorsale
- Two dorsal fins, roughly equal in size. The first dorsal fin originates over the pectoral fin base, and the second dorsal fin originates over the pelvic fin base. No spines.
- Pinna caudale
- Heterocercal caudal fin, with the upper lobe longer than the lower lobe, but not deeply notched.
- Pinna pettorale
- Broad and triangular.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are relatively small. Anal fin is present and smaller than the dorsal fins.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Dorsal Fins
Absence of spines on both dorsal fins is a key identifier, distinguishing it from spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias).
Teeth
Small, blunt, pavement-like teeth, arranged in multiple rows, designed for crushing rather than tearing. This is distinct from the sharp, pointed teeth of many other shark species.
Snout
Relatively short and blunt snout.
Coloration
Uniform grey to grey-brown dorsal coloration without prominent spots or markings (though juveniles may have faint spots).
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found on continental shelves and upper slopes, from shallow coastal waters (a few meters) down to depths of approximately 350 meters (1,150 feet).
- Ambiente
- Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms, often near rocky reefs or seagrass beds. Demersal species.
- Areale geografico
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the British Isles south to Mauritania, including the Canary Islands and Madeira. Also found throughout the Mediterranean Sea and in the Black Sea. Records from South Africa are now considered a separate species, Mustelus palumbes.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for home aquaria; requires extremely large public aquarium facilities.
- Temperatura: 12-22°C (54-72°F)
- Livello di pH: 7.8-8.4
- Durezza: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibilità: Generally peaceful with other large, non-aggressive marine species, but requires careful consideration due to size and dietary needs.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires vast swimming space, excellent filtration, specialized diet of crustaceans and mollusks, and stable marine conditions. Not recommended for private aquarists.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: vulnerable
- Stagionalità: Can be caught year-round, but local regulations and seasonal aggregations for breeding may influence availability.
- Prezzo di mercato: Variable, depends on region and demand. Often sold as 'flake' or 'rock salmon'.
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, slightly sweet, firm white flesh.
- Consistenza: Firm, flaky, boneless (cartilaginous).
- Metodi di cottura: Fried, Baked, Grilled, Steamed, Used in fish and chips
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein, low in fat, contains Omega-3 fatty acids.
Fatti chiave
Viviparous Reproductionbehavior
Unlike many fish that lay eggs, Mustelus mustelus is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live, fully formed young. The embryos develop inside the mother, nourished by a yolk-sac placenta.
Dietary Specializationinteresting
Its unique pavement-like teeth are perfectly adapted for crushing the shells of crustaceans (crabs, lobsters) and mollusks (clams, oysters), which form the bulk of its diet.
No Dorsal Spinesinteresting
The 'smooth' in its common name refers to the absence of spines on its dorsal fins, a key feature distinguishing it from spiny dogfish and other shark species.
Taxonomic Confusionevolution
Historically, several species of smooth-hounds were often misidentified or considered subspecies. Recent genetic studies have helped clarify the distinct species within the Mustelus genus, leading to reclassification of some populations.
Vulnerable Statusinteresting
Due to overfishing and habitat degradation, the common smooth-hound is classified as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN Red List, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: Generally docile and poses no threat to humans. Can be handled safely, but like all fish, care should be taken to avoid fin spines (though not venomous) and rough skin. Release quickly if caught incidentally.
Specie simili
Starry smooth-hound
Mustelus asterias
M. asterias typically has numerous small white spots scattered over its dorsal surface, which M. mustelus lacks (or only has very faint spots as juveniles that fade quickly). M. asterias also tends to have a slightly more pointed snout.
Blackspotted smooth-hound
Mustelus punctulatus
M. punctulatus has distinct black spots on its dorsal surface, which are more prominent and persistent than any faint spots seen in juvenile M. mustelus.
Spiny dogfish
Squalus acanthias
S. acanthias possesses a sharp spine at the leading edge of each dorsal fin, a feature entirely absent in Mustelus mustelus. S. acanthias also typically has prominent white spots on its flanks.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Chondrichthyes
- Ordine
- Carcharhiniformes
- Famiglia
- Triakidae
- Genere
- Mustelus
- Specie
- mustelus
Esplora Common smooth-hound
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