Dusky smooth-hound
📖 Overview
Found on continental and insular shelves and upper slopes, ranging from shallow inshore waters and the intertidal to 200 m, occasionally down to 579 m . Occasionally found in freshwater. It is doubtful that this species can live in fresh water for an extended period of time . Active swimmer and bottom feeder . Swims in packs or schools . Feeds on large crustaceans, mainly crabs, but also heavily on lobsters (Homarus) . Probably non-territorial. Off the Atlantic coast of the USA, this species is migratory . Viviparous (with a yolk-sac placenta), with 4 to 20 young in a litter. Longevity given as 7 years but appears too low. Utilized fresh, dried-salted, and smoked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
A small, slim shark. Well-serrated dorsal fins, second nearly as large as first .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dusky smooth-hound is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Dusky smooth-hound is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Viviparous , with a yolk-sac placenta; with 4 to 20 young per litter. Distinct pairing with embrace .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 800 m , usually 18 - 200 m . Subtropical; 46°N - 44°S, 98°W - 31°W Northwest Atlantic: Canada (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
large crustaceans, mainly crabs, but also heavily on lobsters (Homarus) (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Dusky smooth-hound is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 145 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Dusky smooth-hound has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allomycter dissutus | Guitart Manday | 1972 | Synonym |
| Mustelus canis canis | - | - | Synonym |
| Mustelus canis insularis | Heemstra | 1997 | Synonym |
| Squalus canis | Mitchill | 1815 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 85 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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