Diagnosis

A rather small (less than 100cm TL), slender shark with two high dorsal fins; grey or brown; typically with prominent small dark blotches on the dorsum. Snout gradually rounded with elongate and prominent nasal flaps which are well seperated from each other and the mouth; internasal distance 1.1 - 1.2 times nostril width;  eyes large, horizontally elongate with strong subocular ridges; spiracle rather prominent. Mouth triangular in shape, with teeth in both jaws low, small and molariform with weakly-developed cusps, arranged in a pavement-like fashion; labial furrows prominent and with uppers longer than lowers. Buccopharyngeal denticles occur only on the tongue and front-third of palate. Dorsal fins of similar shape; tall and broadly triangular; posterior margin of first naked, with dark ceratotrichia bare on the margin and affording a somewhat frayed appearance; the second dorsal slightly smaller; interdorsal space 18 - 22% TL. Pectoral fins rather small, broadly triangular with anterior margins measuring 12 - 14% TL; anal fin smaller than second dorsal. Caudal fin strongly asymmetrical; ventral lobe only moderately developed, falcate in adults;  terminal lobe well-developed. Colour mid-grey to grey-brown dorsally, shading to paler grey or white ventrally;  typically sporadic black or darker brown spots on the dorsum and upper flanks; trailing edge of dorsal fins dark.

Size

Maximum 95cm or more but usually under 90cm; size at birth about 30cm TL.

Status and Distribution

Mediterranean Sea; Occasional or common but readily confused with M. mustelus. Entire Mediterranean over continental shelf, including Adriatic and Sea of Marmara but not Black Sea.

Biology

A little-known demersal species of coastal waters, apparently occurring usually above 100m. Blackspotted smoothhounds frequent both inshore and offshore habitats, including shallow bays with a sandy or gravel substrate; offshore occurrences typically associated to submerged banks and similar topographical features (e.g., Adventure Bank in the Sicilian Channel) where they are found with other mustelids on or near the bottom. Prey is benthic crustaceans including crabs and shrimp; also small bony fish and probably cephalopods; feeding ecology overall probably similar to M. mustelus. Possibly a viviparous species; litter size uncertain;  gestation period perhaps 1 year. Females mature at ca. 60cm and males between 50 - 55 cm TL.