description Brown smoothhound Overview
The brown smoothhound (Mustelus henlei) is a small demersal houndshark in the family Triakidae. It inhabits shallow coastal and continental-shelf waters of the eastern Pacific from northern California through the Gulf of California to Ecuador and Peru, often over muddy or sandy bottoms, and may occur alone or in schools. Its reddish-brown or bronze back fades to white below; it feeds mainly on crabs and other crustaceans, plus squid, worms, tunicates, and small fish, and gives live birth to litters of three to five young. [Florida Museum](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/brown-smooth-hound/)
help Brown smoothhound FAQ
What is the brown smoothhound?
The brown smoothhound is Mustelus henlei, a small demersal houndshark. It belongs to the family Triakidae and lives close to the seafloor.
Where can Mustelus henlei be found?
Its eastern Pacific range runs from northern California through the Gulf of California to Ecuador and Peru. It commonly uses shallow coastal and continental-shelf waters.
What kind of seabed does the brown smoothhound prefer?
It is often found over muddy or sandy bottoms. Those habitats are typical of its shallow coastal and continental-shelf distribution.
Is the brown smoothhound a large shark?
No. Mustelus henlei is described as a small houndshark rather than a large pelagic shark such as a great white.
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