The Lowfin houndshark (Iago sp. A) is a species of shark belonging to the family Triakidae. The Lowfin houndshark is an undescribed species found in the Gulf of Aden on the west coast of southern India. This species can tolerate low oxygen environments.
Family: Triakidae – Houndsharks
Genus: Iago
Species: sp. A
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Triakidae
Common Name– Houndsharks
Genus– Iago
Species– sp. A
Status: IUCN Red List NOT EVALUATED
Average Size and Length: Adolescent male sharks have been measured at 33 cm/1 foot. Mature females have been measured at 41 cm/1.3 feet. The maximum should exceed 41 cm/1.3 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The teeth are small and blade-like.
Head: The Lowfin houndshark has a shorter head than the Bigeye houndshark. The eyes are large and elongated, with small spiracles just behind them.
Denticles: The skin of the Lowfin houndshark is softer than the skin of the Bigeye houndshark.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Lowfin houndshark can be found in the Indian Ocean in the Gulf of Aden on the west coast of southern India. They have been found on the outer continental shelf and upper slope below 600 feet. It is also semi-pelagic. Specimens were collected between 0-1,083 feet in pelagic trawls that operate over the bottom between 1,640-6,562 feet deep.
Aesthetic Identification: The Lowfin houndshark is a slender shark with large gill slits. It is similar to the Bigeye houndshark, but with a slimmer body, much lower dorsal fins, and smaller pectoral fins. The coloration of the Lowfin houndshark is darker than the Bigeye houndshark.
Biology and Reproduction: The muscles of the Lowfin houndshark are softer than the muscles of the Bigeye houndshark. The large gill slits suggest that they can tolerate water with low oxygen content. Their reproduction and other biology are unknown. It is often confused with the Bigeye houndshark.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Lowfin Houndshark Future and Conservation: They are not evaluated.
Lowfin Houndshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.