Record-sized female smooth-hound (Mustelus sp.) captured in Corsican waters and preliminary observations on feeding on the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus

Abstract

Here we report the capture of a large female smooth-hound, Mustelus sp. off Corsica, France, measuring 189 cm TL, which exceeds the previously reported maximum size (170 cm TL) of this genus in the Mediterranean Sea. This specimen, as well as two others captured in Corsican waters, had remains of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus in their stomachs. The paper provides preliminary insights into the foraging behaviour of Mustelus sp., suggesting a potential regulatory role in controlling the invasive blue crab in Mediterranean estuarine and lagoon ecosystems. If proven, these first aspects of foraging activity could be a strong argument to improve a more stringent conservation of the smooth-hounds in the Mediterranean Sea.