Starry smoothhound
(Mustelus asterias)

Mustelus asterias (Cloquet, 1821).

Diagnosis

A moderately-sized, rather slender shark with two high dorsal fins and white spots on the dorsum. Snout gradually rounded with elongate and prominent nasal flaps which are well seperated from each other and the mouth; internasal distance 1.2 - 1.3 times nostril width; eyes horizontally elongate with strong subocular ridges; spiracle rather prominent.

Mouth triangular in shape, with teeth in both jaws low, small and molariform, arranged in a pavement-like fashion; labial furrows prominent with uppers much longer than lowers. Oral (buccal) cavity carpeted by denticles (buccopharyngeal denticles).

First dorsal fin origin over pectoral inner margin. Dorsal fins of similar shape; tall and broadly triangular, the second slightly smaller; interdorsal space 19 - 25% TL; pectoral fins broad with anterior margins measuring 12 - 16% TL; anal fin smaller than second dorsal. Caudal fin strongly assymetrical; ventral lobe only moderately developed; terminal lobe well-developed.

Colour mid-grey to grey-brown dorsally with numerous small white spots on dorsum and uper flanks, most restricted toabove the lateral line; shading to white ventrally; posterior margin of caudal fin sometimes white.

This is the only white-spotted smoothhound in Mediterranean waters.


Size

Exceptionally to about 140cm TL; common to 100cm; size at birth circa 30cm TL.


Status and Distribution

Mediterranean Sea: Common. Entire Mediterranean over continental shelf, including Adriatic and Sea of Marmara.


Biology

A frequent coastal shark of continental and insular shelves, primarily occurring near the bottom over sandy, muddy or gravel substrate at depths from the shoreline down to 100m or more; usually under 60m. These sharks are often found close inshore in littoral waters; in shallow bays or flats and off estuary mouths; also ranging far offshore over the shelf and are especially common on or near submerged banks.

Starry smoothhounds principally eat benthic crustaceans including hermit and other crabs, lobsters and shrimps.

Ovoviviparous with 7 -15 offspring per litter; larger litter size in larger females; gestation time circa 1 year with parturition in the summer over shallow inshore waters. Females mature at ca. 85cm TL and males at ca. 78 - 85cm.