Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped smooth hound (Mustelus fasciatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Triakidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Description
The striped smooth-hound is a houndshark (Triakidae) from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The species has a slender, greyish body that bears faint crossbars when young, and the blunt, pavement-like teeth characteristic of smooth-hounds, with which it crushes shellfish. It lives on the continental shelf: newborns on beaches 1 to 5 m deep, juveniles in inshore waters 15 to 50 m, and adults down to about 250 m on the upper slope. It feeds on crustaceans and other bottom animals. Owing to heavy fishing the species is regarded as critically endangered. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striped smooth hound?
The Striped smooth hound has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Blunt, knob-shaped teeth to crack crustaceans; critically endangered through fishing.
Where does the Striped smooth hound live?
The Striped smooth hound lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic; continental shelf.
How big does the Striped smooth hound get?
The Striped smooth hound grows to a maximum of about 150 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the Striped smooth hound dangerous to humans?
No, the Striped smooth hound is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Striped smooth hound edible?
Yes, the Striped smooth hound 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 Striped smooth hound?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped smooth hound is one of 12,519 species in the app.