Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) >
Carcharhiniformes (Ground sharks) >
Triakidae (Houndsharks) > Triakinae
Etymology: Mustelus: Latin for weasel, an ancient name for sharks, possibly referring to the pointed snouts, swift movements and/or rapacious feeding behavior of smaller predatory sharks [strictly not tautonymous with Squalus mustelus Linnaeus 1758 since type was designated by the ICZN]. (See ETYFish); palumbes: Latin for wood-pigeon or ring-dove, referring to its dove-gray coloration. (See ETYFish).
More on author: Smith.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 443 m (Ref. 5578). Subtropical; 17°S - 36°S
Southeast Atlantic: Namibia to central Natal, South Africa.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 120 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 244)
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. A smoothhound with lines or scatterings of small white spots along body (Ref. 5578). Grey above, white below (Ref. 5578).
Found on the continental shelf and upper slope from the intertidal region to deeper waters over sand and gravel bottoms (Ref. 244). Feeds on crustaceans, octopi, bony fish, and fish offal (Ref. 5578). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Catch usually discarded but may be utilized in a local fishery that processes sharks into jerky (Ref. 244).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturities | Reproduction | Spawnings | Egg(s) | Fecundities | Larvae
Ovoviviparous, embryos feed solely on yolk (Ref. 50449). 3 to 8 young per litter. Born at around 25 cm. (Ref. 5485). Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205).
Compagno, L.J.V., 1984. FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 4. Sharks of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Part 2 - Carcharhiniformes. FAO Fish. Synop. 125(4/2):251-655. Rome: FAO. (Ref. 244)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes
Tools
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