Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Triakis semifasciata
- Common name
- Leopard shark
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Triakidae
- Genus
- Triakis
- Size
- 100–210 cm
- Depth
- 0–150 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sandy-bottom, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- pelagic, schooling
- Ocean zones
- Eastern Pacific
Description
Triakis semifasciata reaches 2.1 m. Shark (Triakidae) East Pacific temperate to subtropical from Oregon to Baja California with fusiform body bronze-gray to brown-silvery with distinctive black markings: round spots and alternating dorsal saddles in leopard pattern (hence name). Lives from 0 to 150 m in coastal zones, bays, estuaries and sandy bottoms. Feeds on benthic fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Harmless. Forms spectacular summer aggregations (La Jolla Shores). Iconic dive and snorkel photo subject of California, easy and accessible encounter.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Leopard shark?
- Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) reaches 100–210 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Leopard shark?
- Leopard shark is found between 0–150 m deep.
- Is the Leopard shark dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Leopard shark?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Leopard shark?
- Found in: Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the family Triakidae
- Mustelus asterias - Starry smooth-hound
- Galeorhinus galeus - Tope shark
- Mustelus henlei - Brown smooth-hound
- Mustelus punctulatus - Blackspotted Smooth-Hound
- Mustelus mustelus - Common smooth-hound
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 279060)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2418369)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia