Common Names
The family Triakidae is commonly referred to as houndsharks, although individual species may have other vernacular names. For example, the genus Mustelus is sometimes called "smooth-hounds" or "dogfish sharks", while the genus Triakis is often referred to as "leopard sharks" or "catsharks" due to their spotted patterns.
Characteristics
Triakidae sharks share several key characteristics:
- Slender body: They have a streamlined, elongated body shape.
- Two dorsal fins with spines: Their first dorsal fin has a sharp spine, while the second dorsal fin is smaller and lacks a spine.
- Anal fin: They possess a well-developed anal fin located between the second dorsal fin and the caudal fin.
- Five gill slits: Their gill slits are located on the sides of the head, behind the eyes.
- Two nostrils: Their nostrils are located on the snout, below the eyes.
- Teeth: Their teeth are small, numerous, and often serrated, designed for crushing and tearing prey.
- Coloration: Their color patterns vary by species, ranging from brown and grey to yellow and white, with many species exhibiting spots or stripes.
Environments
Houndsharks are found in coastal waters around the globe, inhabiting a wide range of environments:
- Reefs: Some species, such as the leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata), prefer rocky reefs and coral reefs.
- Sand flats: Others, like the smooth-hound (Mustelus mustelus), are more common on sandy bottoms and mudflats.
- Seagrass beds: Many species inhabit seagrass beds, where they feed on small invertebrates and fish.
References
For further information on Triakidae, refer to the following reliable sources:
