Western spotted smoothhound

📖 Overview

Western spotted smoothhound (Mustelus stevensi) is a ray-finned fish of the family Triakidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 128 cm. It occurs at depths between 69 and 735 metres. With a trophic level of 3.7, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

This moderately large species is disinguished by the following characters: palatine processes of the palatoquadrates not subdivided at the symphysis; pre-second dorsal length 58.1-61.4% TL; upper labial furrows are longer than lower furrows, upper ones 1.7-2.3% TL and 1.3-1.7 times lowers; buccopharyngeal denticles cover entire tongue and roof of mouth; reproductive mode aplacental viviparity; adults are without any hypercalcification of skeletal elements; dorsal fins moderately large and upright, first dorsal-fin anterior margin 13.0-15.7% TL, height 8.5-10.3% TL; claspers of adults are moderately long, inner length 8.1-11.2% TL; teeth in about 72/75 files; precaudal vertebral centra 75-91, monospondylous centra 33-41; small white spots usually present on the dorsal surfaces of body, including along lateral line; dorsal fins often with dark apical margins; caudal-fin terminal lobe white tipped .: elongated; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Western spotted smoothhound is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Western spotted smoothhound is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 69 - 735 m . Tropical northwest Australia to southern Indonesia and the Andaman Sea.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute