Arabian Smoothhound

A smoothhound without spots and often with a white-tipped 1st dorsal fin; adults with a hard, bone-like growth embedded in snout, readily felt by pinching it (Ref. 5578). Grey or grey-brown dorsally, white ventrally (Ref. 5578). Pectoral fins with pale trailing edges (Ref. 5485).

Viviparous, with 6 to 10 young in a litter; born at 26-28 cm (Ref. 5485). Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 0

Occurs in continental waters, both inshore and offshore. Sometimes seen on coral reefs. Feeds on small bottom fishes, mollusks, and crustaceans (Ref. 244, 58021).

Occurs in continental waters, both inshore and offshore (Ref. 244). Sometimes seen on coral reefs (Ref. 244). Feeds on small bottom fishes, mollusks, and crustaceans (Ref. 244). In the Gulf of Aqaba on cephalopods, decapods and terrestrial food items while off Al-Ghardaqar near the entrance of the Gulf of Suez, prawns, small crabs and small fish were found in the specimens (Ref. 124465). Viviparous (Ref. 244). Caught by shore anglers (Ref. 5578). Readily lives in captivity (Ref. 244). Utilized as a foodfish (Ref. 244).

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes

The Arabian smooth-hound (Mustelus mosis) is a houndshark of the family Triakidae. It is found on the continental shelves of the tropical western Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, between latitudes 30 and 7°N, at depths between 20 and 250 m. It can reach a length of 1.5 m.

Found inshore and offshore on continental waters. Sometimes seen on coral reefs. Feeds on small bottom fish, molluscs, and crustaceans. Viviparous, with 6 to 10 young in a litter; born at 26-28 cm (Ref. 5485). Readily lives in captivity.