Other names: Smooth dogfish , Dog shark
The dusky smooth-hound, Mustelus canis, is a small, slender shark found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Argentina. It inhabits continental and insular shelves and is a popular gamefish and subject of commercial fisheries. Known for its schooling behavior and bottom-feeding habits, this shark is harmless to humans.
Other names
Smooth dogfish , Dog shark
Length
~100" (max 150)
Weight
~7" (max 12)
Water
Salt
Water Temp
7-27° F
Depth
7-200 ft
Anchovy
Crabs
Herring
Mackerel
Peeler crabs
Ragworms
Squid
Squid stripsAlways open
No
Gigging, Snagging, Spears, Multiple Hooks
Dusky smooth-hounds prefer coastal waters with sandy or muddy bottoms
They are often found on continental shelves and upper slopes
Their diet mainly consists of crustaceans, especially crabs and lobsters
Juveniles and adults are found in similar habitats, feeding on benthic prey
This species is viviparous, with females giving birth to live young
Spawning occurs in warmer months, with females producing 4 to 20 pups per litter
Newborns are independent from birth and grow quickly in shallow waters
Dusky smooth-hounds migrate seasonally, moving to deeper waters during colder months
