Triakis megalopterus (Spotted gully shark)

(Smith, 1849)

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia > Chordata > Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates)  > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) > Chondrichthyes > Elasmobranchii > Galeomorphii > Carcharhiniformes > Triakidae

Triakis megalopterus (Spotted gully shark) [Illustration by Ann Hecht ©]

Identification

Similar to smoothhounds (Mustelus) but with a broad blunt snout, large mouth with pointed small teeth, more massive body, larger fins, and short, heavy caudal peduncle. Colour grey or bronzy above, white below, usually with numerous small black spots; newborn young and some adults are spotless or have few spots.

Size

To 1.7 m TL.

Range

West and southeast coast, from Namibia to Coffee Bay, Transkei, rarely off Natal. Endemic.

Habitat

Cool-temperate water, off sandy beaches, rocky shores and in shallow bays; virtually confined to shallow water less than 50 m deep.

Biology

Bears 6 to 12 young, which lack a placenta. Eats crabs, lobsters, small fish and other sharks.

Human Impact

Often caught by anglers but seldom utilized for food.

Text by Leonard J.V. Compagno, David A. Ebert and Malcolm J. Smale