Shark

The leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is a species of houndshark, family Triakidae, found along the Pacific coast of North America from the U.S. state of Oregon to Mazatlán in Mexico. Typicallymeasuring 1.2–1.5 m (3.9–4.9 ft) long, this slender-bodied shark is immediately identifiable by the striking pattern of black saddle-like markings and large spots over its back, from which it derivesits common name. The leopard shark has a moderately stout body, with a short, rounded snout. The eyes are large and oval, the line of the mouth is strongly curved. The heaviest known leopard sharkweighed 18.4 kg (41 lb).

Active-swimming predators, groups of leopard sharks often follow the tide onto intertidal mudflats to forage for food, mainly clams, spoon worms, shrimp, bony fish, anchovies,herring, croakers, fish eggs and most significantly crabs. This species is aplacental viviparous, meaning that the young hatch inside the uterus and are nourished by yolk. From March to June, thefemale gives birth to as many as 37 young after a gestation period of 10–12 months. It is relatively slow-growing and takes many years to mature.
Harmless to humans, the leopard shark is caught bycommercial and recreational fisheries for food and the aquarium trade.

The leopard shark occurs in the cool to warm-temperate continental waters of the northeastern Pacific Ocean, from Coos Bay, Oregon toMazatlán, Mexico, including the Gulf of California. It favors muddy or sandy flats within enclosed bays and estuaries, and may also be encountered near kelp beds and rocky reefs, or along the opencoast. Many leopard sharks, particularly in the north, leave their coastal habitats in winter and return in early spring.







The blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is aspecies of requiem shark, family Carcharhinidae, easily identified by the prominent black tips on its fins (especially on the first dorsal fin and the caudal fin). Among the most abundant sharks...