Leptocharias smithii (Müller & Henle, 1839) Barbeled houndshark |
photo by
FAO |
Family: | Leptochariidae (Barbeled houndsharks) | |||
Max. size: | 77 cm TL (male/unsexed); 82 cm TL (female) | |||
Environment: | demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 75 m | |||
Distribution: | Eastern Atlantic: Mauritania to Namibia (Ref. 127434). | |||
Diagnosis: | Similar to species of Mustelus but nostrils with anterior flaps formed into distinct barbels (Ref. 5485). | |||
Biology: | Found on the continental shelf, especially abundant off river mouths on muddy bottoms. Salinity: 35-36 ppt. Oxygen: 3-4 ppm. Feeds on small bottom and littoral organisms like crustaceans, bony fishes, octopi and sponges. Viviparous (Ref. 50449), with 7 young in a litter (Ref. 244). Dental sexual dimorphism is manifested by males having greatly enlarged anterior teeth. Utilized fresh, smoked or dried salted for human consumption, skin for leather. | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 04 August 2020 (A2d) Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless | |||
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