MUSTELUS MUSTELUS Meaning and
Definition
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Mustelus mustelus is a species of small shark belonging to the family Triakidae, commonly known as the smooth-hound shark. It is found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the coasts of Norway and the British Isles down to Senegal and the Mediterranean Sea.
This shark species typically has a slender body, reaching a maximum length of about 130 centimeters. Its skin is smooth and exhibits a dark grey to brown coloration on the dorsal side, while the ventral side is paler. Like other members of its family, Mustelus mustelus possesses two dorsal fins, the first being larger and positioned further back than the second.
A bottom-dweller, Mustelus mustelus inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and sandy or muddy seabeds. It is primarily a nocturnal feeder, preying on a variety of small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Due to its dietary preferences and ecological role as a prey species, it plays an important role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems it inhabits.
Mustelus mustelus is often encountered by commercial and recreational fishermen due to its abundance and proximity to human activity. Its meat is considered of good quality and regularly consumed, while its skin is utilized in the production of leather goods. Despite these fishing pressures, the global population of Mustelus mustelus remains relatively stable, and it is currently not endangered nor listed as a species of conservation concern.
Common Misspellings for MUSTELUS MUSTELUS
- nustelus mustelus
- kustelus mustelus
- justelus mustelus
- mystelus mustelus
- mhstelus mustelus
- mjstelus mustelus
- mistelus mustelus
- m8stelus mustelus
- m7stelus mustelus
- muatelus mustelus
- muztelus mustelus
- muxtelus mustelus
- mudtelus mustelus
- muetelus mustelus
- muwtelus mustelus
- musrelus mustelus
- musfelus mustelus
- musgelus mustelus
- musyelus mustelus
Etymology of MUSTELUS MUSTELUS
The word "Mustelus Mustelus" has a taxonomic etymology rather than a linguistic etymology. It is the binomial scientific name given to a species of shark commonly known as the "common smooth-hound" or "mustelus shark".
In taxonomy, binomial nomenclature is used to give each species a unique scientific name. The genus name "Mustelus" belongs to a group of sharks known as smooth-hounds, characterized by their smooth skin. The specific epithet "Mustelus" is derived from the Latin word "mustela", meaning "weasel". This is likely because the shape of the shark's head and body somewhat resembles that of a weasel. The repetition of the word "Mustelus" in "Mustelus Mustelus" signifies that it is referring to the species within the genus Mustelus.
