Western Spotted Gummy Shark
Mustelus stevensi
- Least concern
- Card rarity: Common
- Sharks and rays
The western spotted gummy shark, also known as the western spotted smoothhound, is in the family Triakidae. The Triakidae, or better known as the houndsharks, are a family consisting of around 40 species in nine genera, split into two subfamilies: Triakinae and Galeorhininae. The family Triakidae is in the order Carcharhiniformes. Carcharhiniformes are the largest order of sharks, containing over 270 species, including known species like the hammerhead and tiger shark. Carcharhiniformes can be characterized by the presence of a nictitating membrane over the eye, two dorsal fins, an anal fin, and five gill slits. All Carcharhiniformes are within the subclass Elasmobranchii. This subclass includes all sharks, rays, and skates. Elasmobranchii, along with Holocephali, comprise the class Chondrichthyes.
Classification
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Triakidae
- Genus
- Mustelus