Spotted estuary smooth-hound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spotted estuary smooth-hound |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Mustelus
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| Species: |
lenticulatus
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The spotted estuary smooth-hound or rig (Mustelus lenticulatus) is a type of houndshark. It is part of the family called Triakidae. You can find these sharks living near the coast and in river mouths (called estuaries) around New Zealand. The rig shark is a close relative of the gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus), which lives in Australia.
Male rig sharks can grow up to about 125 centimeters (about 4 feet) long. Female rig sharks can get even bigger, reaching up to 151 centimeters (almost 5 feet) in length. People catch rig sharks for food. In New Zealand, you can often find them in fish and chip shops, where they are sometimes called "lemonfish." In June 2018, the New Zealand Department of Conservation said that the spotted estuary smooth-hound is "Not Threatened." This means it's not in danger of disappearing, but it still needs some care to make sure its numbers stay healthy.
What is a Rig Shark?
The rig shark is a type of shark that belongs to a group known as houndsharks. These sharks are generally smaller than some of the more famous sharks, like great whites. They get their name "smooth-hound" because their skin is very smooth, unlike the rough skin of many other sharks.
Where Rig Sharks Live
Rig sharks live in the waters around New Zealand. They prefer to stay in shallower areas, close to the coastline. You can often find them in estuaries, which are places where rivers meet the sea. These areas provide good places for them to find food and shelter.
Size and Appearance
Rig sharks have a slender body and a pointed snout. They are usually grey or brownish on top with many small white spots, which is how they get the name "spotted." Their underside is lighter in color. As mentioned, females grow larger than males. A female rig can be over 1.5 meters long!
Fishing and Conservation
People in New Zealand have been fishing for rig sharks for a long time. They are a popular choice for seafood, especially in fish and chip meals. Because they are fished, it's important to make sure there are enough rig sharks left in the ocean. The New Zealand Department of Conservation keeps an eye on their numbers. In 2018, they decided the rig shark was "Not Threatened." This means their population is stable, but they still need careful management to stay that way.
