[2] The most noticeable difference between Mustelus whitneyi and its relatives, is the slight curvature, causing a "humpback" appearance located in front of its primary dorsal fin.

It is found on the continental shelves of the tropical southeast Pacific, from Peru to southern Chile, between latitudes 3° S and 54° S. These sharks are demersal feeders but range from depths between 15 and 210 metres (50 and 690 ft).

[1] Mustelus whitneyi typically feed on teleosts and invertebrates in the benthic and pelagic ecosystems, most important prey being the peruvian anchovy.

[4] The threats currently causing population decline to humpback smooth-hound sharks surround issues with local fisheries and management.

[5] It has a sturdy body with a moderately long, broad, sharply angled snout and large eyes, set widely apart.

The first dorsal fin is approximately triangular and the trailing edge is fringed with bare, dark-coloured collagen rods known as ceratotrichia.

The shape of the primary dorsal fin reduces friction drag in the water, allowing the animal to move without exerting as much energy.

[8] Mustelus whitneyi is classified as a shark living in the marine neritic habitat, meaning it can be found in coastal waters.

[1] Due to their presence in both benthic and pelagic habitats humpback smooth-hounds play an important ecological role in transferring resources between the two.

Humpback smooth-hound sharks specifically act as mobile links for resources between the benthic and pelagic environments they in habitat.

[1] The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has rated the status of the humpback smooth-hound as being critically endangered due to overexploitation.