Overview

This shark belongs to the houndshark family, a broad group of shelf and nearshore species with a practical coastal build. In PocketShark, expect a benthic-to-near-benthic predator rather than a flashy pelagic specialist. Houndsharks are usually slender to moderately built coastal sharks with two dorsal fins, an anal fin, and a generally understated gray-brown appearance. Houndsharks occupy temperate, subtropical, and tropical seas around the world, most often on continental shelves and in nearshore habitats.

Typical habitats include sandy bays, estuaries, rocky shelves, kelp-fringed coasts, reefs, and upper-slope margins.

A strong fit for a beginner-friendly field guide section.

Why it matters: The family includes both egg-laying and live-bearing species, which is a useful reminder that shark reproduction does not follow one simple rule.

Scientific nameTriakis semifasciata
FamilyTriakidae
OrderCarcharhiniformes
Max length1.8 m
Depth range0 to 120 meters
ConservationLeast concern
RegionEastern Pacific coast
DietCrabs, worms, fish eggs, small fish
HabitatBays, estuaries, and sandy flats
Why it stands outHigh tolerance for shallow coastal habitats

What this shark is

Houndsharks are usually slender to moderately built coastal sharks with two dorsal fins, an anal fin, and a generally understated gray-brown appearance.

Where it lives

Houndsharks occupy temperate, subtropical, and tropical seas around the world, most often on continental shelves and in nearshore habitats.

Typical habitats include sandy bays, estuaries, rocky shelves, kelp-fringed coasts, reefs, and upper-slope margins.

How it differs from similar sharks

High tolerance for shallow coastal habitats

Compare it against Triakis Acutipinna, Triakis Maculata, and Triakis Megalopterus.

Why it is notable

They are not major problem sharks for people. Fisheries pressure and nursery habitat loss are the more common concerns.

Related shark pages

These links are meant to help readers continue through related species, not force extra clicks.

California Academy of Sciences specimen photograph of Triakis acutipinna in profile; not to scale.
Triakis acutipinna

Triakis Acutipinna

This shark belongs to the houndshark family, a broad group of shelf and nearshore species with a practical coastal build. In PocketShark, expect a benthic-to-near-benthic predator rather than a flashy pelagic specialist.

1.0 m max
Museum specimen photograph of Triakis maculata in lateral view; not to scale.
Triakis maculata

Triakis Maculata

This shark belongs to the houndshark family, a broad group of shelf and nearshore species with a practical coastal build. In PocketShark, expect a benthic-to-near-benthic predator rather than a flashy pelagic specialist.

1.8 m max
Historical illustration of Triakis megalopterus in lateral view; not to scale.
Triakis megalopterus

Triakis Megalopterus

This shark belongs to the houndshark family, a broad group of shelf and nearshore species with a practical coastal build. In PocketShark, expect a benthic-to-near-benthic predator rather than a flashy pelagic specialist.

1.7 m max
Historical illustration of Triakis scyllium in lateral view; not to scale.
Triakis scyllium

ドチザメ

This shark belongs to the houndshark family, a broad group of shelf and nearshore species with a practical coastal build. In PocketShark, expect a benthic-to-near-benthic predator rather than a flashy pelagic specialist.

1.5 m max