Gray smooth-hound (Mustelus californicus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Triakidae (houndsharks)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
116 cm
Temperature
20–24°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Care level
expert
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank and decor: at 116 cm adult length this shark outgrows home aquaria and is for public-aquarium-sized systems. The list quotes a minimum of 1700 US gallons (about 6430 litres), and as an active swimmer it needs a long, round-cornered or oval system with open swimming space. Strong filtration and a secure cover are essential. Water: the list describes it as a subtropical species. Our sources give no further figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 20–24 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. A chiller is usually needed. Sharks are sensitive to copper and many other medications. Behaviour and identification: a slim, grey, active subtropical shark. The list says it does best in circular or oval tanks and will jump out of uncovered aquaria. At up to 116 cm it is for public-aquarium-sized systems. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Carnivorous. Feed a varied diet of meaty marine foods such as squid, prawn, mussels, clams and fish pieces, with a vitamin and iodine supplement to help prevent goitre. Feed two or three times a week to appetite rather than daily; overfeeding causes fast growth and health problems.

Breeding

Our sources for this page give no species-specific breeding details.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: it eats crustaceans and small fish. Needs open water and calm, large tankmates.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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