Gray Smoothhound Shark
Mustelus californicus

Physical Description

• Small, slender shark.
• Pointed snout and large oval eyes.
• Asymmetrical tail fin (bigger on top than on bottom).
• Brownish gray coloration on top, lighter bellies.
• Noticeable spiracle (breathing hole) behind each eye.
• Adult males grow to about 48 inches, females have been measured at 64 inches long.

Range

• Found from northern California to Baja California, Mexico.
• Found in Gulf of California.

Habitat

• Live in coastal waters, like bays and rocky shores.
• Live at depths of 6-150 feet.

Reproduction

• Adult females become reproductively mature at 29 inches, males at 24 inches.
• Spawning most likely takes place in waters off of northern California.
• Gestation takes 10-11 months and females give birth to live young.
• Litters are between 2-5 pups, with an average length of 8-12 inches.

Diet

• Eat ghost shrimp, innkeeper worms, small fish like midshipmen and herring, shore crabs, and rock crabs.
• They have blunt teeth to help them bite through their hard, shelled prey.

Predators

• Smoothhound sharks’ predators are larger sharks, including the sevengill shark.

Interesting Facts

• Gray smoothhound sharks often school with leopard sharks.
• This small shark is considered harmless to humans.

Sources: Florida Museum; Espinoza et al. 2011

Photo: Andy Murch

Come see a smoothhound shark in person at Birch Aquarium’s Shark Shores or at Living Coast Discovery Center!