Leopard sharks

Girard initial documented the leopard shark as Triakis semifasciatum in 1855. Since then, the species name has been changed to semifasciata. The genus Triakis comes from the Greek word "triakis" translated as 3 pointed, concerning this shark's 3 pointed teeth, whereas the species name semifasciata means that half-banded, describing the distinctive markings found on this shark.

Common Names

Triakis semifasciata is thought because the leopard shark within the U.S. and also the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and is usually spoken as a shark. it's conjointly called leopardhai in Germany, leopardihai in Suomi, luipaardhaai within the The Netherlands, tiburón leopardo in North American country, tollo leopardo in European country, turbarão-leopardo in European country, and virli léopard in France.

Despite the very fact that the 2 sharks don't share a similar geographic distribution, the equine shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) is usually confused with the leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) as each animals square measure spoken by the common name leopard shark in Australia and South East Asia.

Geographical Distribution

Leopard sharks have a comparatively slim vary, found within the jap Pacific from American state to the Gulf of Calif. in North American country. massive populations occur in city Bay, and alternative massive estuaries.

Habitat

The leopard shark is most ordinarily found in sandy or muddy bays and estuaries either at or close to rock bottom. The shark is most ordinarily encountered in twenty feet (6.1 meters) of water or less, however has been sharp-eyed up to three hundred feet (91.4 meters) deep. Leopard sharks appear to like cool and heat temperate waters.

· Coloration
    The leopard shark is prominently coated with dark saddles and splotches. The dorsal surface of the animal varies in coloration from silver to a tanned grey. The ventral surface of the animal is lighter and generally white.


· Dentition
    Leopard sharks turn out tooth sets that type overlapping ridges between completely different tooth rows. The ensuing impact may be a massive planate and ridged surface on the higher and lower jaws. this sort of dentition is commonly spoken as "pavement-toothed." The pointed surfaces of the toothed ridges of the leopard shark square measure capable of puncturing human skin. However, there aren't any reports of humans being bitten by this shark.


·Size, Age, and Growth
    Leopard sharks will reach lengths of up to seven feet (2.13 meters), however it's rare to seek out a personal larger than half dozen feet (1.83 meters). the typical size of Associate in Nursing adult leopard shark is between fifty and sixty inches (120cm to one hundred fifty cm). Pups square measure born at a size of eight to nine inches (0.20 to 0.23 meters). The sharks reach maturity at a size of three to three.5 feet (0.91 to 1.07 meters).

· Food Habits
    Leopard sharks feed totally on biogeographical region invertebrates and tiny fish. Their diet includes invertebrates like crabs, shrimp, octopi, fat patron worms (Urechis caupo), clam siphons, and fish like midshipmen, sanddabs, shiner perch, bat rays, smoothhounds, and a range of fish eggs. Leopard sharks are illustrious to mutilate their prey, taking solely elements of the animals they ingest, departure the remainder. for instance, variety of clam siphons are found in multiple specimens of leopard shark. However, a body of a consumed clam has not been reported  to be found.


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 feminine leopard sharks square measure ovoviviparous and may turn out litters of four to thirty three pups. The gestation of the shark is between 10 and twelve months, and birth typically happens between Apr and should.

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