Gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus) fish species and Gummy shark information

Scientific Name
Mustelus antarcticus

Common Name
Gummy shark

Biology
An inshore and offshore shark found from intertidal waters (Ref. 13563) to a depth of 350 m. Feeds on crustaceans, marine worms and small fishes (Ref. 13563), also cephalopods. Forms schools by sex and size . Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Newborn and juvenile gummy sharks are found in many areas across southern Australia, but no well-defined nursery areas have been identified. These sharks are capable of long migrations, females traveling longer distances than males (Ref. 6390). Utilized fresh for human consumption (Ref. 6871). Maximum length data for female species is taken from Ref. 6390.

Classification

Classified By

G?nther, 1870

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Ground sharks (Carcharhiniformes)

Family

Houndsharks (Triakidae)

Distribution

Region

Eastern Indian Ocean

Distribution

Eastern Indian Ocean: endemic to southern Australia, from Western Australia through Bass Strait to Tasmania and northern New South Wales. Possibly extends northward to southern Queensland and Shark Bay in Western Australia. Confused with another undescribed species whose southern distribution extends to Dampier (20?40'S) (possibly Shark Bay) in the west and Bowen (20?S) (possibly Coffs Harbor) in the east. There is a single stock of gummy sharks in the area, however, regional stock differences might still exist.

Range

28°S - 44°S

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

350 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Marine; demersal; oceanodromous (Ref. 51243); depth range ? - 350 m (Ref. 6871), usually ? - 80 m (Ref. 6871)

Trophic Level

4.31 s.e. 0.53 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

157 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes

Vulnerability

Very high vulnerability (81 of 100)

Resilience

Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (K=0.09-0.30; tm=4-6.9; tmax=16; Fec=2)

Threat To Humans

Harmless (Ref. 13563)

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)

Gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus) fish species and information / pictures of Gummy shark - Mustelus antarcticus

Gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus) fish species information

Classification

Distribution

Environment

Physical Size and Genetics

Human Uses and Population