The Flapnose houndshark (Scylliogaleus quecketti) is a species of shark belonging to the family Triakidae and the only member of its genus. It is found in the waters of South Africa. As in its name, its distinguishing feature is what appears to be a flap on its nose, covering the mouth.
Family: Triakidae – Houndsharks
Genus: Scylliogaleus
Species: quecketti
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Triakidae
Common Name– Houndsharks
Genus– Scylliogaleus
Species– quecketti
Status: IUCN Red List VULNERABLE
Average Size and Length: They are born around 34 cm/1.1 foot. Mature males have been measured under 70 cm/2.3 feet and mature females under 80 cm/2.6 feet. The maximum recorded is 102 cm/3.3 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: There are small, blunt, pebble-like teeth.
Head: The snout is blunt and short. The nasal flaps are large and fused and they are expanded to cover over the mouth; this is where its name comes from. There are nasoral grooves.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Flapnose houndshark can be found in the West Indian Ocean in South Africa (27°S – 33°S), inshore on the continental shelf at the surf-line and close offshore in demersal, subtropical waters.
Diet: They feed primarily on crustaceans, including lobsters as well as squid.
Aesthetic Identification: The Flapnose houndshark is grey dorsally, and cream ventrally. Its second dorsal fin is as large as the first dorsal fin, and much larger than the anal fin. Newborn sharks have white rear edges on the dorsal, anal and caudal fins.
Biology and Reproduction: They are viviparous, having litters of two to four pups, but usually two to three. Gestation is nine to ten months long.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Flapnose Houndhark Future and Conservation: They are currently vulnerable. Their restricted range is heavily fished. This species is targeted for overseas trade in shark meat. Less than 50 sharks of this species have been recorded.
Flapnose Houndhark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.