Sharptooth houndshark (Triakis megalopterus) fish species and information / pictures of Sharptooth houndshark - Triakis megalopterus

Sharptooth houndshark (Triakis megalopterus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Triakis megalopterus

Common Name
Sharptooth houndshark

Biology
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).

Classification

Classified By

Smith, 1839

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Ground sharks (Carcharhiniformes)

Family

Houndsharks (Triakidae)

Distribution

Region

Southeast Atlantic

Distribution

Southeast Atlantic: Namibia to Coffee Bay, South Africa.

Range

30°S - 36°S

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

50 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 50 m (Ref. 5578)

Trophic Level

4 s.e. 0.62 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

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

142 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5312 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (71 of 100)

Resilience

Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=6)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Near Threatened (NT)