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Slender smooth-hound

Gollum attenuatus

Slender smooth-hound© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The slender smooth‑hound (Gollum attenuatus) is a small, slender‑bodied shark found on the continental slopes of New Zealand and southern Australia. Growing up to about 107 cm, it frequents deep‑water habitats and is occasionally caught by recreational anglers targeting deep‑sea species.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Pseudotriakidae

Max Size

107 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

120-660m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Southern Hemisphere summer (December–February)

Best Time

Nighttime – the species is more active after dark

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Slender smooth-hound

  • Use a sturdy medium‑heavy rod (7‑8 ft) with a fast or moderate action to handle deep‑water jigging.
  • Pair 30–50 lb test monofilament or braided line with a 30 lb fluorocarbon leader to prevent bite‑offs.
  • Drop weighted deep‑sea jigs or metal spoons to the bottom and retrieve with a fast, erratic motion to trigger a strike.
  • If using bait, attach fresh squid or strip of oily fish to a circle hook and let it sit on a slow‑running bottom rig.

Top Fishing Locations for Slender smooth-hound

Ningaloo Reef

Australia
intermediate65% Common

World‑renowned reef with abundant sand‑shark populations, including slender smooth‑hounds attracted to the reef’s sandy channels.

Best: March‑May

Raja Ampat Islands

Indonesia
expert45% Occasional

Remote, pristine dive sites where the continental shelf meets deep waters, offering targeted shark trips for slender smooth‑hounds.

Best: June‑August

Great Barrier Reef (Whitsunday Islands)

Australia
beginner75% Very Common

Accessible reef system with sandy flats that attract slender smooth‑hounds during their seasonal migration.

Best: October‑December

New Caledonia – Loyalty Ridge

France (New Caledonia)
intermediate55% Common

Deep‑water ridge off the main island where slender smooth‑hounds frequent the slope edges near reef outcrops.

Best: November‑February

Maldives – South Ari Atoll

Maldives
intermediate40% Occasional

Clear waters and sandy channels of the atoll attract slender smooth‑hounds feeding on small schooling fish.

Best: January‑March

Christmas Island

Australia (Territory)
intermediate78% Very Common

Isolated island with strong currents and abundant prey, making slender smooth‑hounds very common during peak season.

Best: April‑May

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Slender smooth-hound

Recommended Equipment

Rod7‑8 ft medium‑heavy rod, fast/moderate action
Line30–50 lb test monofilament or braid with 30 lb fluorocarbon leader
Lure TypeHeavy‑weight metal jigs, deep‑water spoons, or flashers
TechniqueBottom jigging or deep‑drop line with slow retrieve

Best bait: Fresh squid or oily fish strips (e.g., mackerel)