- Smooth dogfish
Taxobox
name = Smooth dogfish
status = LR/nt | status_system = IUCN2.3
trend = unknown
image_width = 240px
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis =Chondrichthyes
subclassis =Elasmobranchii
ordo =Carcharhiniformes
familia =Triakidae
genus = "Mustelus "
species = "M. canis"
binomial = "Mustelus canis"
binomial_authority = Mitchill, 1815The smooth dogfish, "Mustelus canis", is a species of
shark . This shark is an olive grey or brown, and may have shades of yellow or grayish white. Females live to 16 years and males have a life span of 10 years.ize and growth
Length for the smooth dogfish is up to 1.5 m (60 inches), with a maximum weight of 12 kg (27 lb). Smooth dogfish reach maximum size at 7 or 8 years of age. Average size of this
shark is approximately 1.2 m (48 in). Thisspecies grows quickly, with males reaching maturity at 2 or 3 years of age, and females at 4 to five years of age.Habitat
A common resident in bays, and other inshore waters, the smooth dogfish prefers shallow waters of less than 18 m (60 ft) in depth but may be found to depths of 200 m (650 ft). This species has also been found on occasion in freshwater although it is unlikely they can survive freshwater for extended periods of time. The smooth dogfish migrates seasonally, moving north in the spring and south in the autumn. It is primarily a nocturnal species.
Food
A scavenger and opportunistic
predator , the smooth dogfish feeds primarily on largecrustaceans , includinglobster s,shrimp , andcrabs , as well as smallfish andmollusk s. The flat, bluntteeth of the dogfish are used to crush and grind these prey items which have tough outer body coverings. Small fish that are preyed upon by the smooth dogfish includemenhaden andtautog . Young smooth dogfish feed on small shrimps,worm s, and crabs.Reproduction
Mating occurs throughout most of the smooth dogfish's range from May through July. Following a gestation period of approximately 10 to 11 months, a litter numbering as few as 4 and as many as 20 is born during late spring or early summer. Larger females tend to have larger litters.
Importance to humans
In certain areas, the flesh of smooth dogfish is marketed as fresh or dried salted for human consumption. The smooth dogfish is often used as a laboratory animal and in public display at aquariums.
ee also
*
List of sharks
*Dogfish References
* Database entry includes justification for why this species is near threatened
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