#triakis semifasciata

[orca-in-disguise]

Critter fact #143:

Leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) are often found in sandy bottoms or muddy bays and estuaries in the west coast of North America. Their distinctive appearance allows for easy identification within their range.

[unofficial-sean]

Triakis semifasciata

[aquariuminfobureau]

The leopard shark, Triakis semifasciata, is often traded as a juvenile on dealers lists. I have also seen babies on sale, in a tropical reef tank, at a UK vendor in Salford. This is a dilemma, because T. semifasciata is not a tropical species, and will not do very well in tropical aquariums, a sad situation that is not really conveyed to the shark admiring public. The impressive maximum length of this species, is around 2 meters or 6 feet, and the active, roving habits of this beautiful shark, are also impediments to its humane care in the home. A more common length is 1.6 meters, or over 5 feet, but this is clearly too large for ordinary private aquariums.

T. semifasciata is a shark of the shallow depths along western North America. It is gregarious by nature, and large schools of leopard sharks are often encountered in bays, lagoons, and estuaries. This species is associated with both sandy and muddy bottoms, and rockier areas near kelp beds and rocky reefs. It is present in estuaries where the salinity approaches that of seawater, and the temperature there is stable, making these environments suitable for the gravid females and newborns. This species is reported from areas where the salinity is as low as around 20 ppt, or a specific gravity of 1.015, and rarely even 14 ppt, though salinities below 18 ppt are known not to be well tolerated by this species when it is for prolonged periods.

T. semifasciata is one of the so-called triakid sharks, although in reality the 'triakids' are merely a semi-natural or paraphyletic grouping, within the group of sharks known as carcharhiniforms. That is to say, Triakis and other so-called 'triakids' may be no more closely related to one another, than they are to the requiem sharks, the hammerhread sharks, or the tiger shark.

Wild T. semifasciata fortunately have wide environmental tolerances, and they can experience summer temperatures of 24 to 26 degrees centigrade, but not on a permanent, year round basis. A study of their metabolism found them adapted to tolerate temperatures of around 24 degrees, which befits their foraging in warm, very shallow environments during the summer months. Juvenile T. semifasciata, at least, prefer a cooler ambient water temperature of 17 or 18 degrees centigrade.

Mature individuals were found to prefer temperatures of 22 to 24 degrees, when they are aggregating in the summer and autumn seasons. At these higher temperatures, T. semifasciata are better able to metabolize their food, which is why they congregate and forage for benthic prey nearshore, during warm hours of the day. Sympatric rays with similar foraging habits must retreat to cooler depths, so that they may thermoregulate properly.

Even tropical marine aquaria have trouble with overheating in temperate summers, so temperate marines will also suffer in the heat. Unless the aquarist wishes to invest in an expensive chilling system, the tank or pool needs to be maintained in a cool, well insulated, and probably air conditioned room. The aquarium decor should not clutter their roving space, so as to become an obstacle, and the filtration needs to be of an extremely high capacity.

With that said, if the basic requirements for this shark are met, it proves very hardy in public and private settings. This is why the species is now a popular species in zoo exhibit, often in simulated kelp forests with artificial fronds, far distant from their native range in the North Pacific. Unlike some sharks, T. semifasciata is quite non-aggressive, and not prone to attempt predation on tankmates of large size, which contributes to its appeal.

T.semifasciata requires a tank or pool with a footprint at least 6 times by 4 times its own length. Accommodating juveniles of this species is therefore feasible, but sadly, the adults need more space than the entire ground plan of many homes. On the plus side, their teeth belong to a piercing guild, useful for seizing relatively small prey moreso than ripping flesh. This is why T. semifasciata will not hurt large fish or elasmobranchs, though matters of size are relative, and their natural diet upon maturity includes fishes up to a size of 50 centimeters, or 20 inches, including flatfishes and surfperches. This is about 1/3 of their own length.

They also prey on a variety of other animals, and their broad diet actually varies with the growth stage and the time of the year. A with varying frequencies and proportions that depend on the size of the individual, T. semifasciata consumes such prey as crabs, shrimps, grunion eggs, annelids, squid, clams, and sea urchins. Feeding these versatile sharks on dead prey is fortunately easy, and their natural diet can easily be simulated, by purchases made on a trip to the fishmonger, or even the supermarket.

[herpsandbirds]

Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum), family Stegostomatidae, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia

ENDANGERED.

This shark gets its name from the appearance of the juveniles, which are striped.

In parts of its range, it is sometimes called the Leopard Shark. There is, however, another shark referred to commonly as the Leopard Shark. Triakis semifasciata, a kind of houndshark, that lives along the Pacific Coast of North America from Oregon to Mexico.

photograph by Jordan Robins Photography

[antiqueanimals]

Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata), Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

Fishes of the World. Written by Hans Hvass. Illustrated by Wilhelm Eigener. Originally published in 1964.

Internet Archive

[peach-moths]

shark list…?

SHARK LIST!!!!!

This is another list that's based mostly off vibes and aesthetic rather than any deep analytical reasons, though I do have some deeper reasons for these choices but let's just focus on vibe for today

RAPH: Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

LEO: Common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus)

DONNIE: Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna

lewini)

MIKEY: Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata)

BONUS

APRIL: Epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum)

SPLINTER: Spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus)

DRAXUM: Horned shark (Heterodontus francisci)

CASEY JONES: Sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)

CASEY JR: Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)

I promise I wasn't ignoring this ask I was just thinking very deeply about the answer to this list for not only the rise brothers but the direct family ensemble and wanted it to be the best list that I could make (tbh I made this list more for myself and is super based off my personal opinions. I'm a huge shark fan and was really excited to get this ask so I wanted it be a list I was confident in)

[gotham-native]

sharks!!!!!

tw for well...sharks Lemon shark - Negaprion brevirostris They are carcharhiniformes also known as “ground sharks” and it is largest order of sharks. Males can reach at least 9.15 ft [2.79 m]. Females can reach at least 9.3 ft [2.85 m]. They can be Yellow, Brown, or Olive on top and how a Pale yellow underbelly and they use this coloring to help them blend into the sand at the sea floor

Leopard shark - Triakis semifasciata They are carcharhiniformes also known as “ground sharks” and it is largest order of sharks. They have a Black, pale tan, to greyish, top coat that fades to whitish on their underbelly. They have black saddle marks. The saddle-marks become light-centered in adults. Males reach a maximum length of 4.9 ft [1.5 m], and females reach 5.9 ft [1.8 m].

Goblin shark - Mitsukurina owstoni They are Lamniformes, these sharks a large mouth with several rows of sharp teeth and are able to maintain a higher body temperature than the water in which they are swimming. Males mature at 8.7 ft [264 cm] and females mature at 11 ft [335 cm]. Their maximum size is estimated to be more than 16.4 ft [500 cm]. A pinkish white shark with a soft, flabby body and an unmistakable flat, elongated snout. They are best know for the fact the jaws protrude out to catch prey

White shark - Carcharodon carcharias They are Lamniformes, these sharks a large mouth with several rows of sharp teeth and are able to maintain a higher body temperature than the water in which they are swimming. Also known as great white sharks this species is the most well known species of shark. They have a Slate brown to black top, white underbelly. Males may reach 18 ft [5.5 m] but the most common measurement for males is 11-13 ft [3.3-3.9 m]. Females tend to be between 15-16 ft [4.5-4.8 m], But the largest recorded female white shark was 20ft [6.1 m]

Nurse shark - Ginglymostoma cirratum They are Orectolobiformes also known as “carpet sharks”. This is one of the most diverse order of shark and most tend to have patterned skin. They are a Gray-brown, yellow brown or brown body. Juveniles may have dark spots. Most are less than 10 ft [3 m], the largest was record to be 14 ft [4.3 m] but most are but most are less than 9.8 ft [3 m]. Nurse sharks are known to be a favorite with divers because they are usually indifferent to divers and in some cases they develop a ‘Favorite diver’ that they become protective over and will get upset if other sharks go near them

Greenland shark - Somniosus microcephalus  They are Squaliformes, and this is my favorite order of sharks, there is  an estimated of 126 different species in this order. this order of sharks is found in nearly every marine habitat and some deepwater Squaliformes are bioluminescent. They are Medium grey or brown, sometimes with transverse dark bands, small, dark spots and blotches, and small light spots. When born, they are about 1.3 ft [0.3 m] long. Most adults are 8 to 14 ft [2.4 to 4.2 m] in length, and their maximum length is likely to be over 21 ft [6.4 m], possibly up to 24 ft [7.3 m].Scientists estimate the Greenland shark lives at least 250 years and some believe they may live over 500 years. It’s not 100% know how they can live for so long but many believe it is because of their slow metabolism, this can also explain there slow growth and sluggish movements. Their top speed is under 2.9 kilometers per hour and they don’t reach sexual maturity till they are over a century old

i don't know why the lemon shark photo decided to be so small but oh well SHARKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sharkiedays]

Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata)

A species of hound shark found along the pacific coast of north america

[wholesome-sharks]

Odysea Aquarium, Scottsdale AZ

Mom took me and my sister to the Odysea last month for my birthday! Sorry I haven't posted sooner but HERE ARE THE PICS!

This window over the downstairs bathroom sink was officially voted coolest bathroom in the USA (the plaque said 2017, I think). Why? Because it views into the Voyager shark tank. Trevally, other fish, and FIVE DIFFERENT SPECIES OF SHARKS swim past this window and will even go behind the bubble screen while people are washing their hands. I couldn't get a pic of the sandbar shark when it swam by the window bc it went by pretty quick. But this restroom is by the front entrance and it is the perfect appetizer to a gourmet experience.

Also, trevally are HUGE.

Here is the mascot species of the Odysea, a sand tiger/gray nurse/ragged tooth shark. The bubble fountain at the back of the photo hides the bathroom window.

The Sea Trek tank on the upper floor had mostly tropical fish, but it had a zebra shark and A BONNETTHEAD SHARK! SQUEEEEE!!!! Internally crying for joy!!!!

Brown-banded Bamboo Shark in the shark/ray touch aquarium. A couple of times while I was hanging out by this tank I saw it roll onto its side and scratch itself in the sand--I've seen that on video so I jumped whenever I saw it happen. The cownose rays in the touch tanks are absolutely spoiled and swim up to the surface for pets ASAP when they see you approach.

Benthic buddies: here's the brown-banded bamboo shark lying next to the white-spotted bamboo shark.

Magnificent zebra shark in the movie theater tank. The movie theater would play 10-minute videos and then move the screen back up between showings. I think this was probably my favorite tank. There was a second zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) in this tank.

They also had LEOPARD SHARKS (Triakis semifasciata) !!!!!! again, my cup runneth over!

Epaulette sharks in the Great Barrier Reef tunnel. The one laying on the glass was a male and so he was flashing EVERYONE with his claspers (blurry pic--but maybe that's for the better). There was also an epaulette shark in the stingray touch tank.

Got to spend a few moments of shared eye contact with this epaulette shark💖

Back to the Voyager tank. Here is a sandbar shark and the head of a LEMON SHARK. There were at least two lemon sharks in the Voyager tank. It took me a moment to recognize them. The Voyager tanks are kind of dark, and ofc with no natural sunlight the lemon sharks don't get to show off their color properly. Maybe they should change the light fixtures.

Here's a sandbar shark again along with a view of the reef in the Voyager tank. Again, the trevally are ENORMOUS, bigger than the blacktip reef shark (either that, or BTRs are just small). I deliberately avoided taking too many photos and focused more on the experience, so these are just the highlights of the sharks. Also I've seen the giant Amazon rainforest fish before so no need to repeat.

Have some random aquarium denizens:

Aquarium review: They definitely put money and effort into making the aquarium a good home for the animals as well as engaging and educational for visitors. I was able to be up close and personal with the sharks, which was exactly what I wanted. I feel like the rotating Voyager exhibit is a little overrated--the cheesy Holiday-themed narration didn't help. Aquarium staff kept their distance but were helpful when needed. Starbucks on the second floor is nice. Super expensive but definitely worth it. 8 out of 10.

[sharkshowdown]

And now to meet out contestants.

Both our sharks this round are named very correctly, with one being weird enough to be called a goblin and the other one with its funky stripes, they're shaped in very different ways, but who will win?

Some facts:

Goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni): It comes from a lineage of sharks that are 125 Million Years old. It has a protrusible jaw, that allows the animal to expand it's jaw, looking like it goes out of place just to eat (i wanted a picture but none of the pictures of that fit into the thingy). They're usually at around 3-4 meters long (9-13ft). Despite it being naturally uncommon, it seems to be doing fine with humans around.

Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata): they're very commonly seen in coastal water, swimming in large groups. They dont travel a lot for food, which has led to a lot of genetic divergence between this species, they rarely reach over 1.80 meters (5.9ft). They live around California but aren't dangerous to humans, even adapting very well to aquariums.

[dailymarinefish]

day 38, 01/03/24 - fish of the day is the leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata)

[sharkest-sharks]

Epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatus) | Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata)

Sharkest shark polls

[unofficial-sean]

Video from my birthday trip down to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. I was fascinated by the halibut flats tank, but I know that sharks are what attracts viewers, so that's what I got. My time in halibut flats was mine alone, and I made the most of it. Would have been nice to go with friends, or even a single friend, but no one is free on any given Thursday; and also, I don't have any friends.

The beauty of the flatfish was offset by the great sadness I felt that I could not share in that beauty with close friends. I live my life alone. I will likely die alone. But along the way, hopefully I am able to capture the wonder I find in flatfish for all to see. That must be my legacy. Without it, I will blow away like dust in the annals of human history.

Witness me, and my passion.

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Though most sharks sport a characteristic toothy grin, not all species can flash a set of pearly whites. The leopard shark, which is primarily a bottom-feeder that predates on clams and crustaceans, has overlapping ridges between different tooth rows, which creates a flatter ridged surface that they can use to crush their prey with.

(Image: A leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) being released as part of a study, by Kyle McBurnie

If you like what I do, consider leaving a tip or buying me a kofi!

[just-a-girl-who-likes-sharks]

Shark post: some sharks I spotted on my trip to Nausicaá yesterday!

Leopard shark - Triakis semifasciata

One of my absolute favourite shark species, they are so beautiful and graceful, I spend a good 30 minutes just staring at them, completely enchanted by the way they moved

On average, leopard sharks can grow up to 1,30 meteres. They can live up to 30 years and they grow quite slowly. One of the leopard sharks in the aquarium was significantly smaller than the others, watching him swim alongside the bigger ones was insane!

Starry smooth-hound - Mustelus asterias

These little guys were sharing a tank with the leopard sharks! On average, they don’t grow larger than 1 meter. A fun fact about them (that I found in my shark book) is that they are viviparous and their nests can be as large as 37 pups! Getting a picture of these little guys was difficult, since the lighting made it hard to get their spots, but these are absolutely gorgeous and I’m obsessed!

Zebra shark - Stegostoma Tigrinum

A part of the aquarium was closed for maintenance, and so this one was the only one we got to see. Zebra sharks are also one of my favourites ever! They are oviparous, and the female sharks are able to reproduce with parthenogenesis!

Epaulette shark - Hemiscyllium ocellatum

Epaulette sharks are pretty amazing animals! These sharks can use their pectoral fins to “walk” over the seafloor. They have even evolved to be able to walk on land, surviving hypoxia for up to two hours! (This is the best picture of one of them I could get… it was so beautiful)

Sandbar shark - Carcharhinus plumbeus

This shark can grow up to almost 2 meters! They are so beautiful when they swim, I loved watching them.

Honorable mention:

small-spotted catshark - Scyliorhinus canicula

These sharks are very commonly found in the North Sea, which is the only sea we have over here in Belgium. I’ve seen this species quite often and saw two of them yesterday, but I didn’t manage to get a picture.

And finally…

Yesterday was the third time I ever went to Nausicaá. It was, however, the first time that I went outside of school holidays in Belgium and France (where the aquarium is located). And because of this, there was hardly anyone there. And because of that, for the first time ever, I managed to get a clear picture of this aquarium.

The glass is 20 meters long and 5 meters high. In this 54 ton aquarium are half a dozen sandbar sharks, accompanied by many fishes and rays, including a manta ray named Charles (it took me way too long to understand the Ray Charles reference here 🤦🏼‍♀️).

[massabios]

Este australiano se encuentra con esta especie de tiburón rara vez visto... Se trata de un tiburón leopardo (Triakis semifasciata).