AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Mustelus lunulatus
Sicklefin Houndshark
(Risso, 1827)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A slender shark distinguished by its elongated, sickle-shaped pectoral and dorsal fins. Its coloration is typically uniform grey-brown dorsally and paler ventrally.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Chondrichthyes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carcharhiniformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Triakidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Mustelus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Risso, 1827)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits continental shelf waters, often over muddy or sandy substrates at depths ranging from shallow coastal areas to deeper shelf zones.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Actively searches the bottom for prey, using its sensitive snout to detect buried crustaceans.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally gregarious, often found in loose aggregations near the sea floor.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic invertebrate predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet primarily consists of crabs, shrimp, and small mollusks; predated by larger shark species.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous, giving birth to live young that are fully developed and independent from birth.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
60.0 - 120.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.00 kg - 8.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5 - 15
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
3 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
10 - 12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males6 - 10 Years
Females7 - 12 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are typically slightly smaller and possess prominent claspers.
Females Multi-lang
Females are slightly larger and wider, reflecting their reproductive role.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Small, pavement-like teeth adapted for crushing the hard shells of crustaceans, its primary food source.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Subject to bycatch in commercial trawl and gillnet fisheries throughout its range.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
As a member of the Triakidae family, it is known for being a docile shark that poses no threat to humans.