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Annnd we're back! Thank you everyone for remaining patient as I studied for some exams, and thank you to everyone who wished me well on them! Happy Monday everyone, today's fish of the day is the leopard shark!
The leopard shark, scientific name Triakis semifasciata are known for its unique markings. Notable to many of us due to their range including the Oregon coast! Their habitat stretches along the Pacific Coast of the US from lower sections of the Washington coast to more tropical waters in mid Mexico. They prefer habitats of shallow sand banks, and estuaries, where can often be found in packs with their own, and mixed species.
Their diet is varied, as the leopard shark is an opportunistic hunter, eating boned fish, crabs, shrimp, fish eggs, worms, and on some occasions insects. The feeding method is interesting, as they extend the jaw and create a suction moment, often well twisting violently to further prevent escape. Leopard sharks are live born, as the egg develops and hatches inside of the female, and females can birth 1 to 37 in one pregnancy. At birth they are only 8-12 inches long, but by sexual maturity they can reach 3-5 ft, and they can reach sexual maturity in 12-20 years. In captivity they can live as long as 25 years, and in the wind they have been estimated to live as long as 30.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!