Smooth dogfish
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Smooth dogfish | image = | image_width = 240px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Chondrichthyes | ordo = Carcharhiniformes | familia = Triakidae | genus = Mustelus | species = M. canis | binomial = Mustelus canis | binomial_authority = Mitchill, 1815 }}
The Smooth Dogfish, Mustelus canis, is species of shark.
Length for the smooth dogfish has been documented as up to 1.5 m (60 inches), with a maximum weight of 12 kg (27 pounds). Smooth dogfish reach maximum size at seven to eight years of age. Average size of this shark is approximately 1.2 m (48 inches). Data indicates females live to 16 years and males have a life span of 10 years. This species grows quickly, with males reaching maturity at two to three years of age, and females at four to five years of age . This shark is an olive gray or brown, and may have shades of yellow or grayish white.
A common resident on bays, and other inshore waters, the smooth dogfish prefers shallow waters of less than 18 m (60 feet) in depth but may be found to depths of 200 m (650 feet). This species has also been found on occasion in freshwater although it is unlikely they can survive freshwater for extended periods of time. The smooth dogfish migrates seasonally, moving north in the spring and south in the autumn. It is primarily a nocturnal species.
A scavenger and opportunistic predator, the smooth dogfish feeds primarily on large crustaceans, including lobsters, shrimp, and crabs, as well as small fish and mollusks. The flat, blunt teeth of the dogfish are used to crush and grind these prey items which have tough outer body coverings. Small fish that are preyed upon by the smooth dogfish include menhaden and tautog. Young smooth dogfish feed on small shrimps, worms, and crabs.
Contents |
Reproduction
Mating occurs throughout most of the smooth dogfish's range from May through July. Following a gestation period of approximately 10-11 months, a litter numbering as few as 4 and as many as 20 is born during late spring or early summer. Larger females tend to have larger litters of pups. Upon birth, the pups are 330-380 mm (13-15 inches) in length.
Importance to humans
In certain areas, the flesh of Smooth Dogfish is marketed as fresh or dried salted for human consumption. The smooth dogfish is often used as a lab animal and in public display at aquariums.