Como identificar Cação

Para identificar Cação (Mustelus mustelus), observe estas características principais.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Slender, elongated body without any prominent ridges or keels.

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