Starry-smoothhound: Mustelus asterias

Starry-smoothhounds can often be distinguished from their other smoothhound relatives by the tiny white spots dotted along their backs. They can be found near European and Mediterranean coastlines, as well as along parts of the Southwestern African coast (IUCN Red List, 2020). 

A study by Farrell et al (2009) developed a genetic identification method to distinguish between asterias (Starry-Smoothhound) and mustelus (other smoothhounds). 431 animals were examined in the North East Atlantic, the Irish Sea, the Celtic Sea, the Bristol Channel and the North Sea. Of these, 43 had been visually identified as mustelus species. However, genetic analyses later proved that all these individuals were in fact asterias. So, if you see a smooth-hound around the British coastline, with or without stars, it’s reasonable to assume it is a Starry Smooth-hound (Mustelus asterias) (Lauren Smith, 2024). 

Living on a diet of crustaceans like crabs and lobsters, they hunt at the seabed, often in areas of sandy or gravelly substrate (Shark Trust, 2020). Classed as near threatened (IUCN Red List, 2020), they are vulnerable to both bycatch and targeted fishing, being a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine (Shark Trust, 2020).