Contrasting life‐history traits of two sympatric smooth‐hound species: implication for vulnerability

Abstract

In this study, life‐history traits (maximum and average size, size at maturity and fecundity) of two congeneric smooth‐hounds, Mustelus mustelus and Mustelus punctulatus , which share a geographical distribution and experience a similar fishing exploitation, were estimated and compared between species. The results indicated a lower maximum and average size, a lower size at maturity and a higher fecundity in M. punctulatus compared with those in M. mustelus . Considering that these two species co‐occur in the same areas and are caught by the same fishing gears, the results indicate a higher vulnerability to exploitation of M. mustelus compared with that of M. punctulatus .

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