Smooth hound
size:
up to 165 centimeters
weight:
up to 15 kilograms
color:
gray with lighter sides and yellow-white belly
age:
up to around 24 years
food:
crabs, shellfish and fish
enemies:
other sharks
reproduction:
live birth (viviparous)
maturity: between 12-15 years
number: 4-17 young per nest
- Dut: Gladde haai (Toonhaai, Zandhaai)
- Lat: Mustelus mustelus
- Eng: Smooth hound
- Ger: Glatthai
- Dan: Glathaj
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- Smooth hound, Ecomare, Peter van der Wolf
Smooth hound
Smooth hounds are harmless ground sharks. They teeth aren't even sharp, but instead are flat crowned teeth. These teeth are great at finely grinding their food, such as crabs, shellfish and other fish, before swallowing. The number of smooth hounds in the North Sea has increased in the past thirty years, while other shark species have declined in the same period. Smooth hounds are named after their habit to gather in large groups, like a pack of dogs (or hounds).
- Distribution and habitat
- Distribution of smooth hounds, Ecomare
Smooth hounds live close to the coast. They are found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea. However, they are rarely seen along the Dutch coast.
See also
Info
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