Fin's Fish Guide
The Sharpnose smoothhound (Mustelus dorsalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Triakidae that grows up to 64 cm.
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
Description
The Sharpnose smoothhound is a houndshark (Triakidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, off Central and South America. The species grows to about 64 cm and has a slender, grey-brown, streamlined body with large oval eyes and flattened molars. As a bottom-oriented hunter it lives over sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and crushes crabs, crustaceans and molluscs. It bears live young. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sharpnose smoothhound?
The Sharpnose smoothhound has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Sharpnose smoothhound live?
The Sharpnose smoothhound lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
How big does the Sharpnose smoothhound get?
The Sharpnose smoothhound grows to a maximum of about 64 cm.
Is the Sharpnose smoothhound dangerous to humans?
No, the Sharpnose smoothhound 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 Sharpnose smoothhound edible?
Yes, the Sharpnose smoothhound is commonly eaten.
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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 Sharpnose smoothhound?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sharpnose smoothhound is one of 12,519 species in the app.