Fin's Fish Guide
The Smalleye smooth hound (Mustelus higmani) is a brackish-water fish of the family Triakidae that grows up to 77 cm.
Description
The smalleye smooth-hound is a small houndshark from the western Atlantic, ranging from the northern coast of Venezuela to Brazil. The species grows to about 77 cm and has a slender, grey body with flat, plate-like teeth with which it crushes hard-shelled prey. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives on mud, sand and calcareous bottoms of coastal water and tolerates brackish water. It feeds mainly on crustaceans. The species is viviparous with a yolk-sac placenta and bears 1 to 7 young. Because of heavy fishing it is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smalleye smooth hound?
The Smalleye smooth hound has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Flat plate-shaped teeth for crushing hard-shelled prey; ovoviviparous
Where does the Smalleye smooth hound live?
The Smalleye smooth hound lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic
How big does the Smalleye smooth hound get?
The Smalleye smooth hound grows to a maximum of about 77 cm. On average the species is around 55 cm.
Is the Smalleye smooth hound dangerous to humans?
No, the Smalleye smooth hound 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 Smalleye smooth hound edible?
Yes, the Smalleye smooth hound 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 Smalleye smooth hound?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smalleye smooth hound is one of 12,519 species in the app.