The Sharpfin houndshark (Triakis acutipinna) is a shark belonging to the family Triakidae. Only two specimens have been found, both in the tropical coastal waters of Ecuador.
Family: Triakidae – Houndsharks
Genus: Triakis
Species: acutipinna
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Triakidae
Common Name– Houndsharks
Genus– Triakis
Species– acutipinna
Status: IUCN Red List ENDANGERED
Average Size and Length: Mature males have been measured at 90 cm/2.9 feet and mature females at 102 cm/3.3 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The upper labial furrows are long, and they reach the lower symphysis of the mouth. The teeth are not blade-like. The upper teeth are smaller than the lower teeth, and the main cusps comes to a point.
Head: The snout is short and broadly rounded. The anterior nasal flaps are widely separated and do not reach the mouth.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Sharpfin houndshark can be found in the southeast Pacific in Ecuador (0°S – 4°S), in tropical, demersal continental waters.
Aesthetic Identification: The Sharpfin houndshark does not have any spots or bands. The body is elongated, yet strong. It has narrow fins. The pectoral fins are narrowly falcate. The first dorsal fin has a vertical posterior margin that is dramatic.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown, but possibly ovoviviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Sharpfin Houndshark Future and Conservation: They are currently endangered. This shark is rare, and only known from two specimens in waters that are heavily fished.
Sharpfin Houndshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.