Slender shark with horizontally oval eyes. Nostrils with barbels, relatively long mouth (distance between mouth corner and midpoint of jaws). Two unequal-sized dorsal fins. The origin of the first and bigger dorsal fin is behind the free ends of the pectoral fins. The second dorsal fin is opposite the anal fin.
Coloration
Light grey to grey-brown with lighter ventral surface.
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: Mauritania to Angola, possibly Morocco and Mediterranean.
Biology
Close to or at bottom between 10 m and 75 m. Sometimes abundant around river mouths. Prefers muddy bottom. Active lifestyle.
Diet
Different fish species, crustaceans (crabs).
Size
Average size between 50 cm and 70 cm, total maximum length about 80 cm.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litter size less than 10 pups. Gestation period about 4 months. Males reach sexual maturity at about 55 cm to 60 cm, females at about 55 cm. Sexual dimorphism in jaws structure present. Males possess enlarged teeth in front area, probably used to hold the females when mating.
Similar Species
Some species have a similar appearance and taxonomic features have to be used to clearly distinguish between them.
Vulnerability
Category:Vulnerable (VU) Criteria:A2d Last evaluated:2021 Trend:
