The Dusky Smoothhound, scientifically known as Mustelus canis, is a common shark species found along the Atlantic coast of North America.
Description & Characteristics
Dusky Smoothhounds are characterized by their slender, fusiform bodies, with a distinctive pointed snout. They can reach a maximum size of 150.0 cm in length. Their coloration is typically a grayish-brown to dusky-brown, with a slightly lighter underside. They possess two dorsal fins, with the first being larger than the second. They also have a small anal fin and a pair of pectoral fins. The Dusky Smoothhound’s skin is smooth and lacks the prominent dermal denticles present on many other sharks.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Dusky Smoothhound is found in a wide range of habitats, from shallow coastal waters to depths of up to 800.0 meters. They are commonly found in temperate and subtropical waters, including the continental shelf and slope. They are a frequent inhabitant of neritic zones, often found in close proximity to the bottom. The Dusky Smoothhound is known to occur from the Gulf of Maine to the northern Gulf of Mexico, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The Dusky Smoothhound, Mustelus canis, is a member of the Family Triakidae, commonly referred to as the Smooth-hound sharks. This family is part of the Order Carcharhiniformes, which encompasses a diverse group of sharks characterized by their five gill slits and an anal fin. The Dusky Smoothhound, like all sharks, belongs to the Class Elasmobranchii, which comprises cartilaginous fishes, including sharks, rays, and skates.
Feeding
The Dusky Smoothhound is an opportunistic predator, feeding primarily on a variety of benthic organisms, including clams, crustaceans, and snails. They also consume small fish, demonstrating their adaptability in hunting prey in diverse environments.
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