Species: Mustelus minicanis, Dwarf Smoothhound, Dwarf Smoothhound Shark

Mustelus minicanis Heemstra, 1997

Dwarf Smoothhound, Dwarf Smoothhound Shark

Stout body; moderately flat on bottom, low pointed dermal ridge along top midline; head short, flattened on top, snout thin-tipped and not long, 6.1-7.3% of TL; eyes large, oval, close-set, 3.2-4.3% of TL, nictitating lower eyelid; spiracles small; space between nostrils broad, 2.7-3.1% of TL; mouth broad, 5.4-6.6% of TL; small low teeth in rows in a mosaic pattern, cutting edges blunt and rounded; labial furrows of upper and lower jaws about equal; 5 gill slits, last 2 above pectoral fin; first dorsal taller than second, entirely before pelvic, both with slightly rounded tip, deeply concave posterior margin and sharply pointed rear tip; anal fin under midpoint of second dorsal; pectoral fins moderately broad, posterior margin slightly concave; tail base compressed, no keel or pits; tail slightly raised above body, tip truncate, top lobe with subterminal notch, ventral lobe poorly developed; dermal denticles on flank elongate, single-pointed.

Grey on top, light below, young generally with dusky spots on dorsal fins and tip of tail fin.

Size: 57 cm.

Habitat: Bottom dwelling.

Depth: 71-183 m.

Southern Caribbean.