Dusky Smooth Hound
The dusky smooth-hound, Mustelus canis, is a small, slender shark found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Argentina. It inhabits continental and insular shelves and is a popular gamefish and subject of commercial fisheries. Known for its schooling behavior and bottom-feeding habits, this shark is harmless to humans.
Length~100 (max 150)
Weight~7 (max 12)
WaterSalt
Water Temp7-27° F
Depth7-200 ft
- Other namesSmooth dogfish , Dog shark
- Length~100 (max 150)
- Weight~7 (max 12)
- WaterSalt
- Water Temp7-27° F
- Depth7-200 ft
Popular lures for Dusky Smooth Hound
Regulation for Dusky Smooth Hound
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Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- Dusky smooth-hounds prefer coastal waters with sandy or muddy bottoms
- They are often found on continental shelves and upper slopes
- Their diet mainly consists of crustaceans, especially crabs and lobsters
- Juveniles and adults are found in similar habitats, feeding on benthic prey
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- This species is viviparous, with females giving birth to live young
- Spawning occurs in warmer months, with females producing 4 to 20 pups per litter
- Newborns are independent from birth and grow quickly in shallow waters
- Dusky smooth-hounds migrate seasonally, moving to deeper waters during colder months