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Mustelus mustelus, commonly known as the common smooth-hound or cação, 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. This species is viviparous, giving birth to live young, and is a common inhabitant of temperate coastal waters.
Características físicas
- Formato do corpo
- elongated
- Coloração
- Dorsal surface typically grey to grey-brown, sometimes with a faint bluish tinge. Ventral surface is off-white to pale grey. Juveniles may exhibit faint darker spots, which fade with age.
- Tipo de escama
- placoid
- Posição da boca
- subterminal
- Características distintivas
- Slender, fusiform body, Absence of dorsal fin spines, Small, pavement-like teeth adapted for crushing, Two dorsal fins of similar size, Anal fin present, Nictitating membrane present over eyes
- Nadadeira dorsal
- 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. Both are rounded at the apex.
- Nadadeira caudal
- Heterocercal caudal fin, with the upper lobe significantly longer than the lower lobe, and a distinct subterminal notch.
- Nadadeira peitoral
- Broad and triangular, moderately sized.
- Nadadeiras características
- No spines on any fins. Anal fin is smaller than the second dorsal fin.
Dicas de identificação
Teeth
Unlike many sharks, Mustelus mustelus possesses small, blunt, pavement-like teeth arranged in multiple rows, designed for crushing rather than tearing. This is a key distinguishing feature from other shark species.
Dorsal Fins
Two dorsal fins of similar size, both lacking spines. The first dorsal fin originates above the pectoral fin base, and the second dorsal fin originates above the pelvic fin base.
Coloration
Uniform grey to grey-brown dorsal coloration, fading to white or pale grey ventrally. Lacks prominent spots or markings in adults, though juveniles may have faint spots.
Body Shape
Slender, elongated body without any prominent ridges or keels.
Habitat
- Tipo de água
- saltwater
- Profundidade
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters from the surf zone down to depths of approximately 100 meters, though occasionally recorded deeper (up to 350 meters).
- Ambiente
- Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms, often near rocky reefs or seagrass beds. Found in temperate and subtropical waters.
- Distribuição geográfica
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the British Isles south to Mauritania, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands. Also found off the coast of South Africa.
Informações sobre aquário
- Nível de cuidado: expert
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Alimentação: carnivore
- Tamanho mínimo do aquário: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and specialized needs. Requires very large public aquarium facilities.
- Temperatura: 12-20°C (54-68°F)
- Nível de pH: 8.0-8.4
- Dureza da água: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibilidade: Generally peaceful with other large, non-aggressive marine species, but requires careful consideration of tank mates due to its predatory nature on smaller invertebrates.
- Requisitos especiais: Requires extremely large, well-filtered, and oxygenated marine systems with ample swimming space and substrate for foraging. Not recommended for private aquarists.
Informações no ambiente natural
- Estado de conservação: near threatened
- Sazonalidade: Can be caught year-round in many parts of its range, but local regulations and seasonal migrations may influence availability.
- Preço de mercado: Varies significantly by region and market demand, often sold as 'flake' or 'rock salmon'.
- Importância comercial: medium
- Sabor: Mild, slightly sweet, firm white flesh.
- Textura: Firm, flaky, boneless (cartilaginous).
- Métodos de preparo: Fried, Grilled, Baked, Steamed, Used in stews and curries
- Valor nutricional: Good source of protein, low in fat, contains Omega-3 fatty acids.
Fatos principais
Pavement Teethinteresting
The common smooth-hound is named for its smooth skin and, more importantly, its unique 'pavement-like' teeth, which are flat and blunt, perfectly adapted for crushing the shells of crustaceans and mollusks.
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.
No Spinesinteresting
A key feature distinguishing smooth-hounds from dogfish (Squalidae) is the complete absence of spines in front of their dorsal fins, making them safer to handle for anglers.
Dietary Specialistbehavior
This shark is a specialized predator of benthic invertebrates, primarily crabs, lobsters, and mollusks, playing an important role in controlling these populations in its ecosystem.
Informações de segurança
Seguro- Nível de segurança: safe
- Venenoso: Não
- Comestibilidade: edible
- Observações de manuseio: Generally docile and poses no significant threat to humans. Can be handled safely, but like all sharks, care should be taken to avoid accidental injury from its rough skin (denticles) or if it thrashes. Release quickly and carefully if caught incidentally.
Espécies similares
Starry Smooth-hound
Mustelus asterias
M. asterias typically has numerous small white spots on its dorsal surface, which are absent or very faint in adult M. mustelus. The teeth of M. asterias are also slightly more pointed.
Blackspotted Smooth-hound
Mustelus punctulatus
M. punctulatus has distinct black spots on its dorsal surface, which are absent in M. mustelus. Its range is also more restricted to the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic.
Galeus melastomus (Blackmouth Catshark)
Galeus melastomus
While also a small bottom-dwelling shark, G. melastomus has a much rougher skin texture, distinct dark blotches or saddles, and a characteristic black mouth lining. Its teeth are also pointed, not pavement-like.
Classificação científica
- Reino
- Animalia
- Filo
- Chordata
- Classe
- Chondrichthyes
- Ordem
- Carcharhiniformes
- Família
- Triakidae
- Gênero
- Mustelus
- Espécie
- mustelus
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