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

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.