Come identificare Common smooth-hound

Per identificare Common smooth-hound (Mustelus mustelus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

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

1. 1

   Dorsal Fins

   Absence of spines on both dorsal fins is a key identifier, distinguishing it from spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias).

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Snout

   Relatively short and blunt snout.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Uniform grey to grey-brown dorsal coloration without prominent spots or markings (though juveniles may have faint spots).

Esplora Common smooth-hound