Family: TRIAKIDAE, Hound Sharks, Smoothhound Shark, Smoothhound Sharks, Tope Sharks

FAMILY TRIAKIDAE

SMOOTHHOUND SHARKS, HOUND SHARKS, TOPE SHARKS

Triakids are small to moderate-sized sharks (to ~2 m); slender to moderately stout bodies; a long, pointed snout (when viewed from the side); horizontally oval eyes with a lower eyelid; a spiracle behind the eyes; a long, angular or arched mouth that reaches past the front edge of the eye; teeth numerous, small, range from low molars to more typical shark-like teeth that are bladelike or pointed; nostrils with flaps but no barbells; 5 gill slits, last 2 over pectoral base; 2 dorsal fins, base of 1st before pelvics; 2nd dorsal large, but smaller than 1st, originates before anal origin; anal fin smaller than to equal to 2nd dorsal in size; tail base not flattened, no keels or upper/lower pits; tail fin highly asymmetrical, lower lobe absent to strong, top edge of fin not rippled.

This is one of the largest shark families, with 9 genera and approximately 38 species inhabiting tropical and temperate seas worldwide. One genus with five described species occurs in our region.

PREPARED BY D ROSS ROBERTSON, AFTER CARPENTER (2002)