Shorefishes of the Eastern Pacific online information system

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Family: TRIAKIDAE, Hound Sharks, Smooth-Hound Sharks, Tope Sharks


All Families:   All Genera:   All Species:

eye oval
D1 well before pelvics
D2 large, origin before A

FAMILY TRIAKIDAE

HOUND SHARKS, SMOOTH-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.

Houndsharks generally live close to the bottom, ranging from coastal shallows to depths in excess of 2000m. Many types are mainly active at night; they feed mainly on crustaceans, cephalopods, and fishes.

This is one of the largest shark families, with 9 genera and approximately 36 species inhabiting tropical and temperate seas. A total of 11 described species in 3 genera occur in the eastern Pacific, 7 of which belong to the genus Mustelus, commonly known as Smooth-hounds; all but one enter shallow water in our region. The Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciatus), a popular resident in California public aquaria, is a member of this family.