Sicklefin Smooth-hound

About the Sicklefin Smooth-hound

Sicklefin Smoothhounds are demersal sharks that can be spotted from southern California to Panama in the eastern Pacific Ocean at depths between 9 to 144 m, but are commonly found in shallow waters up to 100 m deep.

Biology and Behaviour

Sicklefin smoothhounds are a fast growing species that mature at an early age, but has a low longevity compared to other sharks. They seasonally migrate during the fall and winter months. 

Reproduction and Lifespan

Female sicklefin smoothhounds from the Gulf of California have a high fecundity producing six to 19 pups per year after a gestation period of 11 months. The pups at birth are 28 to 34 cm long. Females mature at six years at a length of 103.2 cm, while males mature at two and a half years at a length of 91.5 cm. The maximum reported length of a sicklefin smoothhound was 175, and they live up to 22 years.

Conservation and Tourism

The IUCN lists sicklefin smoothhounds as least concern. There are no conservation measures in place for this specific species, however, since 2012, from May to July shark fishing is closed in Mexico.

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Sicklefin Smooth-hound Gallery