Evidence for sperm storage in common smoothhound shark <scp><i>Mustelus mustelus</i></scp> and paternity assessment in a single litter from South Africa

The present histological study of adult female common smoothhound shark Mustelus mustelus demonstrates that the species can store sperm in their oviducal glands. In addition, single paternity of a litter of 22 pups is reported, contributing to further knowledge regarding the genetic and behavioural mating strategy of M. mustelus.