Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Triakidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Description
The smooth dogfish or dusky smooth-hound (Mustelus canis) is a small, slender shark of the family Triakidae from the western Atlantic. The species has a grey-brown, streamlined body and can reach about 1.5 metres. It lives on continental and insular shelves, from shallow inshore waters and the intertidal to about 200 metres deep, and occasionally enters fresh water briefly. Instead of sharp teeth it has flat tooth plates with which it crushes crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters; it also eats mollusks and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans, is fished commercially and is considered Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic smooth dogfish?
The Atlantic smooth dogfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Flat molar plates for crushing crustaceans instead of sharp teeth; harmless (NT).
Where does the Atlantic smooth dogfish live?
The Atlantic smooth dogfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Continental and island shelves of the western Atlantic.
How big does the Atlantic smooth dogfish get?
The Atlantic smooth dogfish grows to a maximum of about 150 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the Atlantic smooth dogfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic smooth dogfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Atlantic smooth dogfish edible?
Yes, the Atlantic smooth dogfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mustelus
More from the family Triakidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic smooth dogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic smooth dogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.