Genus Mustelus Linck, 1790

Houndsharks

Mustelus Linck, 1790: 31 . Type species: Squalus mustelus Linnaeus, 1758, by subsequent designation by the ICZN (Opinion 93: 1925: 5).

Remarks: The genus Mustelus in South African waters, like many other regions, is very convoluted and confused due to poor characteristics separating species, misidentification of local species, and new or previously unknown species. Bass et al. (1975b) noted the confusion within the genus. Therefore, the local synonymy for each of the species occurring in South Africa should be treated with caution until a more thorough study has been undertaken.