Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) fish species and information / pictures of Leopard shark - Triakis semifasciata

Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) fish species information

Scientific Name
Triakis semifasciata

Common Name
Leopard shark

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.

Classification

Classified By
Girard, 1855
Class
Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)
Order
Ground sharks (Carcharhiniformes)
Family
Houndsharks (Triakidae)

Distribution

Region
Eastern Pacific
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: Oregon, USA to the Gulf of California.
Range
45°N - 19°N, 126°W - 105°W

Environment

Climate
Subtropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
91 m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range ? - 91 m (Ref. 9253), usually ? - 6 m (Ref. 55312)
Trophic Level
3.66 s.e. 0.53 Based on diet studies.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
True
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
198 cm
Common Length
160 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5312 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Vulnerability
Very high vulnerability (80 of 100)
Resilience
Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (K=0.07-0.09; tm=11-21; tmax=30; Fec=4-12)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Least Concern (LC)