Smooth Hound Shark

Also known as Grey Smoothhound, Dusky Smooth-Hound

The Smooth Hound Shark is a sleek, streamlined species featuring uniform grey coloration and a characteristic smooth skin texture. This active, fast-swimming temperate water shark is more suitable for very large home systems or public aquariums. While hardy and relatively peaceful, this species requires substantial space, cooler water temperatures, and constant swimming room, making it a challenging but rewarding species for expert aquarists with appropriate facilities.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Rhinobatos productus
• Common Names: Smooth Hound, Grey Smoothhound, Common Smoothhound
• Adult Size: Up to 60–66 inches
• Lifespan: 15-20 years with proper care
• Temperament: Active; relatively peaceful but predatory
• Reef Compatibility: Not applicable; requires species-specific system
• Minimum Tank Size: 600 gal – 1000 gal  gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Expert; requires very large system and specialized care

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires a very large tank with unobstructed swimming space. Open oval or circular design is strongly preferred. Minimal decorations; open water swimming essential. Strong water circulation creating constant current. Smooth surfaces are mandatory. Professional-grade systems required.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 55-68°F (13-20°C) – temperate/cold water species
• Salinity: 1.023-1.026
• pH: 8.0-8.4
• Pristine water quality absolutely essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• Industrial-grade filtration system
• Large protein skimmer(s)
• Massive water circulation (8,000+ GPH minimum)
• Chiller REQUIRED (cold water species)
• UV sterilization
• Backup power systems recommended

Chillers are absolutely mandatory for this temperate species.

Diet & Feeding

Smooth Hound Sharks are active predators requiring substantial food.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Fresh or frozen whole fish (mackerel, herring, capelin, smelt)
• Variety: Squid, octopus, large shrimp, crabs
• Natural diet: Crustaceans and cephalopods favored
• Supplements: Vitamin-enriched foods essential

Feeding Frequency: 3-4 times weekly; large meals

Special Note: Active hunter requiring substantial food budget. May take time to acclimate to prepared foods; fresh foods often necessary initially.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Only with other large temperate species in massive systems
• Predatory: Will eat any fish it can swallow
• Active: Constant swimmer; not suitable for small tanks
• Group Housing: Possible in very large systems (3,000+ gallons)

Notes & Considerations

• Sleek, streamlined body built for constant swimming.
• Uniform grey coloration; smooth skin texture gives species its name.
• REQUIRES COLD WATER: Cannot tolerate tropical temperatures.
• Chiller absolutely mandatory; thrives at 55-68°F.
• Native to coastal temperate waters of Europe and Mediterranean.
• Constant swimmer; must have unobstructed swimming space.
• Minimum 15-20 foot swimming length strongly recommended.
• Will injure itself in tanks with insufficient space.
• Prone to rostral damage from striking walls if space is inadequate.
• Very large system required: 1,000+ gallons absolute minimum.
• Realistically it needs 2,000+ gallons for long-term success.
• Not suitable for most home aquariums due to size requirements.
• Better suited for public aquariums or professional installations.
• Active predator; will consume any fish it can catch.
• Relatively peaceful toward large tankmates.
• Can potentially be kept in groups in massive systems.
• Produces substantial waste; powerful filtration essential.
• Sensitive to poor water quality; pristine conditions required.
• No scales; smooth skin easily damaged by rough surfaces.
• Very sensitive to copper medications; avoid entirely.
• Viviparous (live-bearing); gives birth to live young.
• Difficult to breed in captivity due to space requirements.
• Hardy once established in proper conditions.
• Long-lived; 15-20 year commitment minimum.
• Expensive to acquire and maintain.
• Massive food budget required for large specimens.
• Legal restrictions possible; check local regulations.
• Professional-level systems and knowledge required.
• Ethical considerations regarding space requirements.

Why Choose a Quarantined Smooth Hound Shark?

CRITICAL NOTE: This species is ONLY SUITABLE for very large private systems (1,000+ gallons) or public aquarium facilities with cold water capabilities. If you have appropriate facilities: Purchasing a properly quarantined specimen is essential. Professional quarantine with temperature-controlled systems and gradual acclimation is mandatory. All specimens must receive veterinary oversight and careful conditioning before introduction to display systems. Success with this species requires expert-level facilities and husbandry.

For most private aquarists: Please consider more suitable shark species such as bamboo sharks, epaulette sharks, or catsharks that are appropriate for standard large home systems.