Leptocharias smithii (Müller & Henle, 1839)
Barbeled houndshark
Leptocharias smithii
photo by FAO

Family:  Leptochariidae (Barbeled houndsharks)
Max. size:  77 cm TL (male/unsexed); 82 cm TL (female)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 75 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Mauritania to Namibia (Ref. 127434).
Diagnosis:  Similar to species of Mustelus but nostrils with anterior flaps formed into distinct barbels (Ref. 5485).
Biology:  Found on the continental shelf, especially abundant off river mouths on muddy bottoms. Salinity: 35-36 ppt. Oxygen: 3-4 ppm. Feeds on small bottom and littoral organisms like crustaceans, bony fishes, octopi and sponges. Viviparous (Ref. 50449), with 7 young in a litter (Ref. 244). Dental sexual dimorphism is manifested by males having greatly enlarged anterior teeth. Utilized fresh, smoked or dried salted for human consumption, skin for leather.
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 04 August 2020 (A2d) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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