Speckled smooth-hound

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Speckled smooth-hound

Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Subdivision: Selachimorpha
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Triakidae
Genus: Mustelus
Species:
M. mento
Binomial name
Mustelus mento
Cope, 1877

The speckled smooth-hound (Mustelus mento) is a

Pacific, between latitudes 0° and 54° S
, at depths between 16 and 50 m (52 and 164 ft). It can reach a length of 130 cm (51 in). Collectively with certain other species of shark, it is known as "tollo".

Description

The speckled smooth-hound is a robust shark with a moderately long, blunt snout, small eyes, short mouth and molar-like teeth without cusps. The trailing edge of the dorsal fins have small, pointed projections. The pectoral fins are large and the pelvic fins moderately large. The caudal peduncle is short and the lower lobe of the tail fin is narrow and slightly curved. The maximum length is about 130 cm (51 in) with maturity being reached by males at about 70 cm (28 in) and females at about 88 cm (35 in). Adults are grey or greyish-brown above and paler below, liberally speckled with white spots. Juveniles have dark bars.[2]

Distribution

The speckled smooth-hound is found off the Pacific coast of South America, including the

demersal fish and swims close to the seabed on the continental shelf at depths of between 16 and 50 m (52 and 164 ft).[3] Reports of this fish occurring in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Argentina are thought to be erroneous, and are likely to refer to the narrownose smooth-hound (Mustelus schmitti), another shark that is speckled with white spots.[1]

  • Jaws
    Jaws
  • Upper teeth
    Upper teeth
  • Lower teeth
    Lower teeth

Biology

The speckled smooth-hound is

ovoviviparous with eggs that develop within the female and hatch into juvenile fish which are about 30 cm (12 in) at birth. Litter sizes are typically seven.[2]

Status

Along with the

IUCN as being "critically endangered".[1]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mustelus mento.
  1. ^
    doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T63128A203720849.en
    . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Compagno, L.J.V. "Speckled smooth-hound (Mustelus mento)". Sharks of the World. Marine Species Identification Portal. Retrieved 2014-08-30.
  3. ^ "Mustelus mento Cope, 1877: speckled smooth-hound". FishBase. Retrieved 2014-08-31.
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