Barbeled houndshark
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| Leptocharias smithii (Müller & Henle, 1839) |
The barbeled houndshark, Leptocharias smithii, the only member of the genus Leptocharias, which is in turn the only member of the family Leptochariidae, is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean from Mauritania to Namibia at depths of between 10 and 75 m. It reaches a length of 77 cm (male) and 82 cm (female).
The barbeled houndshark is found on the continental shelf, especially abundant off river mouths on muddy bottoms. It feeds on small bottom and littoral organisms like crustaceans, bony fishes, octopuses and sponges. Dental sexual dimorphism is manifested by males having greatly enlarged anterior teeth. Its flesh is utilized fresh, smoked or dried salted for human consumption, and the skin is used for leather.
The barbeled houndshark is viviparous giving birth to 7 young per litter.
[edit] References
- "Leptocharias smithii". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. May 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
