Brown Smoothhound
VU

Brown Smoothhound

Mustelus henlei

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_smooth-hound

Overview

The brown smooth-hound is a houndshark of the family Triakidae. The reproduction of this shark is viviparous. The brown smooth-hound reaches a maximum reported size of 95.0 cm and a minimum of 27.6cm amongst males while females can range from 25.7 cm to 100 cm although males reach their asymptotic length sooner than females.

The average size of this species is between 50 and 70 cm and is between 19 and 21 cm at birth. Females at maternity are around 67.6 cm long whereas the average length at maturity is 63.6 cm for males and 65.6 cm for females. This species is a ground shark and has a heterocercal caudal fin bearing an elongate upper lobe, triangular and broad dorsal fins, broad pectoral fins, an inferior mouth, and large eyes, and displays a reddish or bronze coloration from above and a...

The Brown Smoothhound faces significant pressure from commercial and recreational fishing activities throughout its range, with populations declining due to overfishing and bycatch in gillnet and trawl fisheries. Habitat degradation in coastal nursery areas, combined with the species' slow reproductive rate and late maturity, makes recovery particularly challenging once populations are depleted.

Threat summary

Habitat

Coastal marine waters, bays, and estuaries from the intertidal zone to depths of approximately 200 meters, typically over sandy and muddy bottoms. Juveniles utilize shallow nearshore areas and protected bays as nursery habitat.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Triakidae

Sicklefin SmoothhoundVU

Sicklefin Smoothhound

Mustelus lunulatus

Unknown

Threatened in Brazil

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
CR

Erythrodiplax acantha

Unknown
CR

Ituglanis bambui

Declining
CR

Knodus shinahota

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Brown Smoothhound classified as Vulnerable?
Brown Smoothhound is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Brown Smoothhound faces significant pressure from commercial and recreational fishing activities throughout its range, with populations declining due to overfishing and bycatch in gillnet and trawl fisheries. Habitat degradation in coastal nursery areas, combined with the species' slow reproductive rate and late maturity, makes recovery particularly challenging once populations are depleted.
Where does Brown Smoothhound live?
Brown Smoothhound occurs in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guatemala (plus 4 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Brown Smoothhound?
The main threats to Brown Smoothhound are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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