Marine Life

Starspotted smooth-hound shark

Hon’du miyaru

Mustelus manazo

Mustelus manazo is found on outer atoll slopes in depths of 100-200 m in the Maldives, and specimens here lack the white spots typically seen in other locations. It was previously misidentified as M. mosis in the Catalogue of Fishes of the Maldives, Vol. 3, page 350.

Details

§ 01

size: Max. about 1.2 m
color: Uniform grey or grey-brown above, light below. A series of small white spots on sides.
order: Carcharhiniformes
family: Triakidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/mustelus-manazo.png
habitat and biology: This species is found in continental waters near the bottom of the ocean. It is often found close to shore, particularly on muddy and sandy bottoms. It feeds on small fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. It is ovoviviparous, meaning the number of young can range from one to twenty-two, with the number increasing significantly with the size of the mother.
distinctive characters: A small, slender shark with a somewhat flattened head and angular mouth has nasal flaps that do not reach the mouth, and no nasal grooves. The first dorsal fin is large and originates in front of the rear margin of the pectorals, while the second dorsal fin is much larger than the anal fin, and there is a ridge between the two dorsals.