Whtiemargin Fin Houndshark
Known from six discovered specimens
The Whitemargin Fin houndshark or also known as the Whitemargin Fin smoothhound (Mustelus albipinnis) is a shark belonging to the family Triakidae. This newly describes species can be found from the Gulf of California to Mexico.
Family: Triakidae – Houndsharks
Genus: Mustelus
Species: albipinnis
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Triakidae
Common Name– Houndsharks
Genus– Mustelus
Species– albipinnis
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: It grows up to 3.9 feet long.
Current Rare Mythical Sightings: Parts of the original description here by Castro-Aguirre, J.L. & Antuna-Mendiola, A. & Gonalez-Acosta, A.F. & De La Cruz-Aguero, J. (2005).
Head: It has a broad internarial distance of 3.0 to 3.4% of the total length.
Denticles: The arrangement pattern of buccopharyngeal denticles, palatoquadrates cartilages disposition and the lanceolate form of the dermal denticles below the first dorsal fin is unique to this shark.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Whitemargin Fin houndshark or the Whitemargin Fin smoothhound can be found from the Gulf of California to Mexico. Six specimens have been caught off Bahja Magdalena, Baja California and Sur, Mexico. It can be found in water deeper than 328 feet on hard rocky bottoms. This differs from other species that prefer soft bottoms and shallow waters.
Aesthetic Identification: The Whitemargin fin houndshark or the Whitemargin Fin smoothhound is a slender dark grey-brown shark. It has a white margin in the dorsal, pectoral, pelvic and anal fins. It has asymmetric pelvic fins, in form and size, in immature females (this is the first report of this condition, for all known elasmobranch living species). It differs from its north-eastern Pacific congeners (M. californicus, M. dorsalis, M. henlei, and M. lunulatus).
Biology and Reproduction: Its vertebrae count is unique from its clade species.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Whitemargin Fin Houndshark or Whitemargin Fin Smoothhound Future and Conservation: There is not enough data to evaluate. It is only known from six specimens.
Whitemargin Fin Houndshark or Whitemargin Fin Smoothhound Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.