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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🎣 Game Fish 🌡️ Subtropical

Spotted estuary smooth-hound

Mustelus lenticulatus Phillipps, 1932
Max Length
125 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
0–860 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
77.00/100
Typical Length
85 cm
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Found on the insular shelves, often close inshore . Feeds on crustaceans, especially crabs . Ovoviviparous . Makes seasonal inshore-offshore movements . Makes extensive coastal migrations, with one tagged female moving at least 1160 km . Forms schools separated by size and sex . Utilized fresh for human consumption .

Scientific Name
Mustelus lenticulatus
Authority
Phillipps, 1932
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
125 cm
Depth Range
0–860 m
Trophic Level
3.5
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
77.00/100
Migration
Oceanodromous
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Spotted estuary smooth-hound is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Spotted estuary smooth-hound is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Spotted estuary smooth-hound is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Ovoviviparous
Size at Maturity
90.9cm TL

Ovoviviparous, embryos feed solely on yolk . With 2 to 37 young born at 20-32 cm .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 860 m , usually 0 - 400 m . Subtropical; 34°S - 48°S Southwest Pacific: Kermadec Islands (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Migration
Oceanodromous
Trophic Level
3.5±0.3
🐠 Schooling
Food Items

crustaceans, especially crabs (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00191 × L3.14 (TL)
Max TL
125cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2017

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
77.00/100
Very High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Phillipps, 1932

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Mustelus Lenticulatus is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 21.5 g
Omega-3 (total) 149 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Spotted estuary smooth-hound has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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