Triakis semifasciata Girard, 1855
Leopard shark
photo by Moreau, J.

Family:  Triakidae (Houndsharks), subfamily: Triakinae
Max. size:  198 cm TL (male/unsexed); 180 cm TL (female); max.weight: 18 kg; max. reported age: 30 years
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 156 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Oregon, USA to the Gulf of California.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Found in shallow water from the intertidal to deeper waters, most commonly in enclosed muddy bays; including estuaries and lagoons (S. Wilson, pers. comm.). Prefer sandy areas, mud flats, and bottoms strewn with rocks near rocky reefs and kelp beds. Feed mainly on crabs, shrimps, bony fish, fish eggs, clam necks and innkeeper worms among a large variety of food in its diet. Form mixed schools. Ovoviviparous (aplacental), with 4 to 29 young in a litter. Utilized fresh or frozen for human consumption.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 December 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.