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Sicklefin smooth hound (Mustelus lunulatus) — Triakidae

Sicklefin smooth hound

Mustelus lunulatus
Family: Triakidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sicklefin smooth hound (Mustelus lunulatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Triakidae that grows up to 175 cm.

Length
175 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–94.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The sicklefin smooth-hound is a small smooth-hound (Triakidae) from the eastern Pacific, from California to Peru. The species reaches about 175 cm and has a slender, grey body with sickle-shaped fins. It lives on the continental shelf, from close inshore to well offshore, at depths to about 94 m. With its flat, crushing teeth it crushes crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. The species is ovoviviparous and bears live young. It is harmless to humans and is regularly caught for consumption.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sicklefin smooth hound?

The Sicklefin smooth hound has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Sicklefin smooth hound live?

The Sicklefin smooth hound lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Sicklefin smooth hound get?

The Sicklefin smooth hound grows to a maximum of about 175 cm. On average the species is around 90 cm.

Is the Sicklefin smooth hound dangerous to humans?

No, the Sicklefin smooth hound is harmless to humans.

Is the Sicklefin smooth hound edible?

Yes, the Sicklefin smooth hound is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sikkelvintoonhaai sourced
English name
Sicklefin smooth hound verified
Scientific name
Mustelus lunulatus
Family
Triakidae
Other names
Sicklefin smoothhound; Sicklefin smooth-hound verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
175.0 verified
Average length (cm)
90.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
94.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Mustelus

More from the family Triakidae

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