Starry smooth-hound, Stellate smoothhound
Starry smoothhound is a sleek, slender shark with a silvery-grey body marked by small white, star-like spots. It has a flattened, highly sensitive muzzle that helps it locate prey on the seabed. Unlike many shark species, smoothhounds have relatively small, blunt teeth suited to feeding on crustaceans and other invertebrates.
Starry smoothhound is widely distributed across the northeast Atlantic, including waters around the UK and Ireland, the North Sea and the Atlantic coasts of western Europe. Its wider range extends south towards northwest Africa and into the Mediterranean. It is found in both coastal and offshore waters, particularly over sandy and gravelly seabeds.
In UK waters, veined squid is the most frequently caught squid species, although its distribution and abundance can vary considerably between seasons and years.
Sustainability Rating
Status: Starry smoothhound populations are not as well studied as many commercial fish species. Recent stock information indicates that populations in the northeast Atlantic are increasing and fishing pressure is currently low. However, as a shark species, starry smoothhound is vulnerable to overfishing because it matures relatively slowly and produces a small number of well-developed young.
Best Choice: Starry smoothhound from well-monitored fisheries where catches are accurately identified and recorded, allowing stock trends and fishing pressure to be properly assessed.
Avoid: Fish from poorly monitored fisheries where shark species are not accurately identified, or catch levels cannot be assessed.
Culinary Uses
Starry smoothhound has firm, white flesh with a mild flavour.
It can be grilled, baked or pan-fried.
Its firm texture also makes it suitable for fish stews and other dishes where the flesh needs to hold its shape.
Although eaten in parts of Europe, it is not commonly offered for sale in the UK.
Best Fishing Practices
Starry smoothhound is generally not targeted commercially and is most often landed as bycatch in mixed fisheries.
Accurate identification and recording of catches are particularly important for shark species, helping scientists build a clearer picture of populations and fishing pressure.
Responsible management and continued monitoring are essential because sharks reproduce more slowly than many bony fish and can therefore be more vulnerable to overfishing.
Seasonality
Starry smoothhound can be landed throughout the year, although its abundance in UK waters varies seasonally as the species moves between coastal and offshore areas.
Supporting Local, Sustainable Seafood
Starry smoothhound demonstrates the importance of looking beyond current stock levels when making sustainable seafood choices. Although populations in the northeast Atlantic are showing positive signs, their slow reproductive rates mean careful monitoring remains important.
Choosing fish from well-managed, traceable fisheries supports better understanding of shark populations and helps ensure that current improvements are maintained for the future.
Book now
Join us at Faber Restaurant to explore our menu. Book a table today using the form below or call us on 0208 161 9800 if you have any special requirements.
