Species profile
Dusky Smooth-hound
Mustelus canis
Identify Dusky Smooth-hound (Mustelus canis) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 2 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Dusky Smooth-hound (Mustelus canis) is an IUCN Near Threatened shark or ray regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 1,441 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Unlike most sharks, the Dusky Smooth-hound gives birth to 4–20 live pups per litter.
- Its flat, pavement-like teeth are designed to crush crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.
- Dusky Smooth-hounds can reach about 5 feet long but pose no threat to humans.
- They range from New England south through the Gulf of Mexico.
- This species can live up to 16 years in the wild.
Where Dusky Smooth-hound are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Dusky Smooth-hound
Background
The dusky smooth-hound (Mustelus canis), also called the smooth dogfish or the dog shark, is a species of houndshark in the family Triakidae. This shark is an olive grey or brown in color, and may have shades of yellow or grayish white. Females live to 16 years and males have a lifespan of 10 years. M. canis was the first shark recognised to have viral infections.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Dusky Smooth-hound article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other sharks & rays on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Dusky Smooth-hound?
Dusky Smooth-hound (Mustelus canis) is an IUCN Near Threatened shark or ray regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Dusky Smooth-hound?
Dusky Smooth-hound is Mustelus canis.
Is Dusky Smooth-hound regulated for fishing?
Yes — Dusky Smooth-hound has fishing regulations in 2 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Dusky Smooth-hound?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Dusky Smooth-hound along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.