Species profile
Gulf Smoothhound
Mustelus sinusmexicanus
Identify Gulf Smoothhound (Mustelus sinusmexicanus) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Gulf Smoothhound (Mustelus sinusmexicanus) is an IUCN Least Concern shark or ray regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 1 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in Texas.
Notable details
- The Gulf smoothhound is found almost exclusively within the Gulf of Mexico, making it a highly range-restricted species.
- They are small sharks, typically reaching about 3 feet (90 cm) in total length.
- Like other smoothhounds, they prey on crustaceans and small invertebrates in shallow coastal waters.
- They give birth to live young, as is true of all members of the genus Mustelus.
- The Gulf smoothhound was only formally described as a distinct species in 1997, having previously been lumped with similar relatives.
Where Gulf Smoothhound are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Gulf Smoothhound
Background
The Gulf smooth-hound (Mustelus sinusmexicanus) is a houndshark of the family Triakidae, found on the continental shelves of the tropical western central Atlantic. The reproduction of this houndshark is placental viviparous.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Gulf Smoothhound article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other sharks & rays on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Gulf Smoothhound?
Gulf Smoothhound (Mustelus sinusmexicanus) is an IUCN Least Concern shark or ray regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Gulf Smoothhound?
Gulf Smoothhound is Mustelus sinusmexicanus.
Is Gulf Smoothhound regulated for fishing?
Yes — Gulf Smoothhound has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Gulf Smoothhound?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Gulf Smoothhound 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.