The Banded Houndshark (Triakis scyllium) is a species of houndshark in the family Triakidae. These sharks are found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from southern California to Baja California, Mexico. They are a common species, inhabiting a variety of marine zones.
Description & Characteristics
The Banded Houndshark, Triakis scyllium, is a relatively small shark, reaching a maximum size of 150.0 cm. Its most notable feature is its distinctive coloration, which features a series of dark bands running along its body. These bands are most prominent on the back and flanks, fading out on the belly. Its body is elongated and slender with a pointed snout and large, oval-shaped eyes. They have five gill slits and two dorsal fins, the first one being larger than the second. Its pectoral fins are large and rounded, while its pelvic fins are smaller and situated closer to the tail. The caudal fin is heterocercal, meaning that the upper lobe is significantly larger than the lower lobe.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Banded Houndshark is a common inhabitant of the neritic zone, meaning it is found in the shallow waters of the continental shelf. More specifically, Triakis scyllium inhabits Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. They are typically found on sandy or rocky bottoms, often near kelp forests. Triakis scyllium can be observed swimming in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries.
Taxonomy
The Banded Houndshark, Triakis scyllium, belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Carcharhiniformes, and Family: Triakidae. This classification places them among the cartilaginous fishes, highlighting their evolutionary history and unique biological features.
Feeding
The Banded Houndshark is an opportunistic predator with a diet that includes a variety of invertebrates and fish. Their diet consists of Clam meat, Crabs, Crustaceans, Fish (little fishes), Frozen Food (large sort), Invertebrates, Isopods, Living Food, Lobster, Mysis, Rock lobster, Schrimps, Sepia, Shrimps, Worms. They use their keen sense of smell to locate prey and then use their sharp teeth to capture and consume it.
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