The Starry Smooth-hound (Mustelus asterias) is a species of houndshark found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is a relatively common shark, known for its distinctive markings and its preference for shallow waters.
Description & Characteristics
The Starry Smooth-hound is a relatively small shark, with a maximum recorded size of 154.0 cm. Its body is elongated and slender, with a pointed snout and large, oval-shaped eyes. It is characterized by a distinctive pattern of dark spots and blotches scattered over its dorsal surface, giving it a “starry” appearance. These markings are more prominent in juveniles, becoming less distinct as the shark matures. The Starry Smooth-hound has a pair of dorsal fins, the first being larger than the second. It also has a small anal fin and two pectoral fins, which are positioned high on its body. Its tail is long and slender, ending in a small upper lobe and a larger lower lobe.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Starry Smooth-hound is typically found in coastal waters, with a depth range of 0.0 to 350.0 meters. Its preferred habitat includes sandy bottoms, rocky reefs, and seagrass meadows. This species can be found in a variety of marine zones, including the epipelagic, mesopelagic, and bathypelagic zones. The Starry Smooth-hound is a common inhabitant of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Norway in the north to Senegal in the south. It is also found in the Mediterranean Sea.
Taxonomy
The species Mustelus asterias belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Carcharhiniformes, and Family: Triakidae. The Elasmobranchii are a group of cartilaginous fishes that includes sharks, rays, and skates. The Carcharhiniformes are an order of sharks that includes many of the most familiar shark species, including hammerheads, bull sharks, and requiem sharks. The Triakidae are a family of houndsharks, which are characterized by their slender bodies, pointed snouts, and small teeth.
Feeding
The Starry Smooth-hound is a benthic predator, meaning it feeds on organisms that live on or near the seafloor. Its diet consists primarily of invertebrates, including clams, crabs, lobsters, rock lobsters, rock shrimps, shrimps, sepia, snails, and zoobenthos. The Starry Smooth-hound uses its sharp teeth to crush and tear its prey.
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