Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) >
Carcharhiniformes (Ground sharks) >
Triakidae (Houndsharks) > Triakinae
Etymology: Scylliogaleus: Greek, skylla = a kind of shark + Greek, galeos = a sword fish (Ref. 45335). More on author: Boulenger.
Environment / Climate / Range
Ecology
Marine; demersal. Subtropical, preferred ?; 27°S - 33°S
Western Indian Ocean: Natal and northeastern Cape in South Africa.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 89.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 244); 102.0 cm TL (female)
Dorsal
spines
(total): 0;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 0;
Anal
spines: 0;
Anal
soft rays: 0. A blunt-nosed houndshark with large, fused nasal flaps, and small, blunt, pebble-like teeth; 2nd dorsal fin as large as 1st (Ref. 5578). Grey above, cream below; newborn with white rear edges on dorsal, anal and caudal fins (Ref. 5578).
Occurs from the surf line to close offshore (Ref. 5578). Feeds mainly on crustaceans (including lobsters), also squid (Ref. 244). Viviparous (Ref. 50449). Caught by rock and surf anglers (Ref. 5578).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Viviparous, placental (Ref. 50449). With 2 to 4 young in a litter (Ref. 244, 5578). Size at birth about 34 cm (Ref. 244). Gestation period is 9 to 10 months (Ref. 244). Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205).
Compagno, L.J.V., 1984. FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 4. Sharks of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Part 2 - Carcharhiniformes. FAO Fish. Synop. 125(4/2):251-655. Rome: FAO. (Ref. 244)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 115185)
CITES (Ref. 94142)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes
More information
ReferencesAquacultureAquaculture profileStrainsGeneticsAllele frequenciesHeritabilityDiseasesProcessingMass conversion
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