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This name was changed to Triakis henlei and then to the currently valid name Mustelus henlei (Gill, 1863). The genus name Mustelus is derived from the Latin "mustela" meaning weasel. There are no known synonyms used to refer to this species in past scientific literature. Common Names Common names of Mustelus henlei include brown smooth-hound (English), brown smoothhound (English), bruine toonhaai (Dutch), cazón de leche (Spanish), cazón pardo (Spanish), emissole brune (French), and musola parda (Spanish). Geographical Distribution The range of the brown smooth-hound is limited to the eastern Pacific Ocean, from northern California (U.S.) to the Gulf of California, Mexico and Ecuador south to Peru. brown smoothhound Habitat The brown smooth-hound is found in waters over the continental shelves and is very common in muddy and sandy bottom shallow bays. Off the coast of California, there are local populations in enclosed bays such as Humboldt, Tomales, and San Francisco Bays. This small shark lives along the bottom from the intertidal to depths of at least 656 feet (200 m), however it can be found close to the surface on occasion. It is equally abundant in inshore and offshore waters, either in schools or as solitary individuals. The brown smooth-hound sometimes associates with schools of spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata). Biology Brown smooth-hound illustration source Field Guide to Eastern Pacific and Hawaiian Sharks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1967 · Distinctive Features The body of the brown smooth-hound is slender and the head is rather short with a long, blunt snout. The first dorsal fin is broadly triangular with a frayed trailing fin margin. It originates above the free rear tips of the pectoral fins. The second dorsal fin is much larger than the anal fin. The pectoral fins and caudal peduncle are moderately large. Ventral view of brown smooth-hound FAO Species Catalog, Vol. 4 Part 2 Sharks of the World Similar species that overlap ranges with the brown smooth-hound include the grey smooth-hound (Mustelis californicus) and the sicklefin smooth-hound (M. lunulatus). The grey smooth-hound has a more posterior first dorsal fin. The sicklefin smooth-hound has a pointed, sickle-shaped lower caudal fin lobe while the brown smooth-hound's is slightly falcate. · Coloration The brown smooth-hound has an bronze iridescent sheen on a reddish- brown upper body. The ventral surface is white in color. There are no distinguishing markings such as spots on this shark. Brown smooth-hound : dentition FAO Species Catalog, Vol. 4 Part 2 Sharks of the World ·Dentition The small teeth of the brown smooth-hound are asymmetric. The upper teeth have a median cusp flanked by a defined notch and smaller cusp while the lower teeth have cusps that are more erect. Brown smooth-hound: denticles including apical view FAO Species Catalog, Vol. 4 Part 2 Sharks of the World · Denticles Dentition consists primarily of tricuspidate denticles with longitudinal ridges. ·Size, Age, and Growth The brown smooth-hound grows to a maximum of 3.2 feet (1 m) total length, with an average size between 1.6-2.3 feet (.5-.7 m). Maturity occurs in both males and females at 1.6-2.3 feet (.5-.7 m) total length, correlating to 2-4 years of age. The lifespan of this species is believed to be around 15 years. The brown smooth-hound feeds on a variety of prey including squid courtesy NOAA · Food Habits Prey items of the brown smooth-hound include crabs, shrimp, isopods, squid, polychaete worms and tunicates, with crabs comprising the majority of this shark's diet. It also feeds on a variety of small bony fishes such as anchovies, surf perch, gobies, and flatfish. Adults feed on more fish than juveniles. · Reproduction The brown smooth-hound is a viviparous species. The embryos are nourished via a yolk-sac placenta while developing inside the mother's body. The gestation period is believed to be approximately 10 months. At the end of the gestation period, live birth occurs with 3-5 pup per litter. Each pup measures approximately 7.5-8.3 inches (19-21 cm) in length. The sevengill shark is a predator of the brown smooth-hound courtesy NOAA · Predators Larger predatory bony fishes and sharks are potential predators of the brown smooth-hound. The sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) is a known predator of this smoothhound. · Parasites The copepods Pandaris bicolor and Perissopus oblongatus are reported parasites of the brown smooth-hound. Importance to Humans The brown smooth-hound is often taken as bycatch and discarded due to their low value. The flesh is marketed fresh, smoked, and frozen for human consumption. This abundant species is also fished recreationally by sport fishers with light tackle off the coast of California. The brown smooth-hound is often seen in public display aquariums due to its small size and adaptability to captivity. Danger to Humans This small shark is considered harmless to humans. According to the International Shark Attack File, there have been no reported attacks on humans attributed to this species. Conservation The brown smooth-hound is not listed as endangered or vulnerable with the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The IUCN is a global union of states, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations in a partnership that assesses the conservation status of species. The status of this species is not certain, however it has the potential to become depleted due to commercial fishing pressures and its low birth rate. Prepared by: Cathleen Bester