Fish Active day and night

Common Smooth-hound

Mustelus mustelus

iNaturalist Wikipedia

Meet the 'Greyhound of the Sea,' a sleek and social coastal shark that roams the Atlantic shelf. Unlike its toothier cousins, the Common Smooth-hound is a gentle crustacean specialist with a fascinating pack-hunting lifestyle.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Usually 100–120 cm (3.3–3.9 ft), maxing out at 200 cm (6.6 ft); weight up to 13 kg (28 lbs)

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Colors

Uniform greyish-brown to olive-grey upper body with a contrasting creamy white or pale underside; lacks prominent spots.

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Key Features

Slender, hound-like body with two large dorsal fins
Blunt, rounded snout with large oval eyes
Lacks the white spots found on similar species
Teeth are flat and pavement-like rather than sharp
Smooth skin texture with small dermal denticles

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active day and night

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Peak hours 9 PM - 3 AM

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Season May-September

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Diet A specialized crustacean hunter that uses crushing plates to eat crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, occasionally taking small fish or squid.

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Habitat Coastal waters and continental shelves with sandy, muddy, or gravelly bottoms.

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Where Does the Common Smooth-hound Live?

The Common Smooth-hound is native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the cool waters surrounding the British Isles and the North Sea down to the southern tip of South Africa. It is a very common resident throughout the Mediterranean Sea and is frequently spotted around the volcanic island chains of Madeira and the Canary Islands. This species typically stays close to the continental shelf, preferring to stay within reach of the shoreline while occasionally diving to depths of over 600 metres.

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10 Countries

15.2M km² Range

Vulnerable Conservation

GB United Kingdom ZA South Africa IT Italy ES Spain FR France Morocco Greece Turkey Ireland PT Portugal

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Common Smooth-hounds are highly mobile, social sharks that often travel in small, loose-knit groups, which earned them the 'hound' moniker. Unlike more aggressive shark species, they are relatively timid and use their advanced olfactory senses to patrol the seabed for food. They are primarily nocturnal hunters, becoming much more active as the sun sets, though they can be seen cruising during the day in deeper or more shaded waters.

These sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to fully formed live young after a gestation period of nearly a year. This reproductive strategy ensures a higher survival rate for the pups compared to egg-laying sharks. While they are capable of deep-sea travel, they are frequently found in shallow coastal waters, especially during the summer months when they move inshore to pup or feed in nutrient-rich estuaries.

In terms of human interaction, Common Smooth-hounds are completely harmless. They lack the sharp, serrated teeth typical of predatory sharks, possessing instead flat 'crushing plates' designed for shells. They are a favorite among catch-and-release anglers due to their spirited fight, but they are generally wary of divers and will keep a respectful distance unless attracted by bait.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

Capturing the Common Smooth-hound requires an underwater action camera or a specialized submersible trail camera. If you live near a coast or have access to a private pier, the best placement is directly on the seabed in a sandy or gravelly area just on the edge of a rocky reef. Use a weighted rig or a 'camera sled' to keep the device stable against tides and currents. Angle the lens slightly upward (about 10-15 degrees) to catch the silhouette of the shark as it cruises overhead.

Bait is essential for bringing these sharks within camera range. Use a secure, mesh bait box filled with crushed green crabs, mackerel heads, or squid. The scent trail is what will trigger their 'hound' instincts and bring them to the lens. Because they have excellent olfaction, even a small amount of bait can attract them from several hundred yards away if the current is favorable.

Nighttime filming is most productive, so ensure your camera is equipped with high-quality Infrared (IR) LEDs to avoid scaring the sharks with bright white light. Set your camera to a high frame rate (at least 60fps) if possible; while Smooth-hounds look graceful and slow, their strike on bait can be incredibly fast. Since they are social, keep the camera running for several minutes after the first sighting, as others are likely following close behind.

Check the tides before deploying your equipment. The two hours leading up to high tide and the hour following it are the 'golden hours' for Smooth-hound activity in shallow water. In the summer, look for shallow, sun-warmed bays where they may congregate in higher numbers. Always ensure your camera housing is rated for the depth you are targeting, and use a tether line for easy retrieval from a dock or boat.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Common Smooth-hound.

Starry Smooth-hound

Look for prominent white spots scattered across the back and sides, which the Common Smooth-hound lacks.

Spiny Dogfish

Has sharp, venomous spines in front of both dorsal fins and lacks the anal fin found on Smooth-hounds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Smooth-hound are most active during the night, particularly during the hours surrounding high tide. While they can be seen during the day in deeper water, they move into the shallows to hunt under the cover of darkness.

To attract Common Smooth-hound, use a scent lure. Crushed oily fish like sardines or smashed shore crabs placed in a mesh bait bag are highly effective. Position the bait about 12-18 inches in front of your underwater camera lens.

Their diet is primarily made up of crustaceans. They use their flat, blunt teeth to crush the shells of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. They will also occasionally eat small bottom-dwelling fish and squid.

Yes, if you live in a coastal 'suburban' area. They are very common near public fishing piers, boat docks, and in shallow estuaries, often venturing into water just a few feet deep during the summer.

The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at the skin. The Common Smooth-hound has a uniform grey or brown color, while the Starry Smooth-hound is covered in small, distinct white spots that look like stars.

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