Diagnostic Description
provided by Fishbase
Blunt snout and a large mouth with small pointed teeth; caudal peduncle short and heavy (Ref. 5578). Grey with numerous black spots which may be sparse or absent in some specimens; new born pups with fewer black spots compared to adults (Ref. 5485); white below (Ref. 5578).
- Recorder
- Cristina V. Garilao
Life Cycle
provided by Fishbase
Ovoviviparous, embryos feed solely on yolk (Ref. 50449), with 6 to 12 young in a litter (Ref. 244). 30-32 cm at birth (Ref. 244).
- Recorder
- Cristina V. Garilao
Morphology
provided by Fishbase
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 0
- Recorder
- Cristina V. Garilao
Trophic Strategy
provided by Fishbase
Occurs off sandy beaches, rocky shores and in shallow bays (Ref. 5578). Feeds on crabs, lobsters, bony fish and small sharks (Ref. 5578). Forms schools in summer (Ref. 244). Hardy and keeps well in captivity (Ref. 244). Commonly caught by rock and surf sports anglers but not eaten much (Ref. 244). Meat is dried into shark 'biltong' or jerky which commands a relatively high price (Ref. 244).
Biology
provided by Fishbase
Occurs off sandy beaches, rocky shores and in shallow bays (Ref. 5578). Feeds on crabs, lobsters, bony fish and small sharks (Ref. 5578). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Forms schools in summer (Ref. 244). Hardy and keeps well in captivity (Ref. 244). Commonly caught by rock and surf sports anglers but not eaten much (Ref. 244). Meat is dried into shark 'biltong' or jerky which commands a relatively high price (Ref. 244). Attains 160 cm, TL (Ref. 36731).
- Recorder
- Kent E. Carpenter
Importance
provided by Fishbase
fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums; price category: high; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family
- Recorder
- Kent E. Carpenter