dcsimg

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).
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Cristina V. Garilao
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase

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).
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Cristina V. Garilao
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase

Morphology

provided by Fishbase
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 0
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Cristina V. Garilao
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase

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).
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Pascualita Sa-a
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase

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).
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Kent E. Carpenter
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase

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
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Kent E. Carpenter
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase