Starry Smooth Hound (Solent)
The Starry Smooth Hound (Mustelus asterias), matures at about 125cm.
Identification[]
Upper body pale brown to grey with numerous white spots above the lateral line which is the distinguishing feature from the Common Smooth Hound (Mustelus mustelus - no spots).
Breeding[]
Aplacentally viviparous (live bearing). Litter size between 7/15 pups, which are 20cm at birth. Females mature at 85cm when approximately 2-3 years old.
Habitat[]
Prefers sandy and gravel bottoms and usually located near the bottom - at depths to 100m and found both inshore and offshore.
Food[]
Primarily crustaceans (hermit crabs and squat lobsters).
Range[]
British Isles to Iberian Peninsula including the Mediterranean waters.
Additional Notes[]
This is the more common of the two species of Smooth Hound.
References[]
The Aquarium Project