Triakidae

shark family

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The Triakidae family, also known as smooth dogfishes, comprises a group of small sharks. These sharks are characterized by small, closely crowded teeth that are rounded or somewhat compressed with three or four cusps. They typically inhabit coastal waters in tropical to temperate zones across all oceans.12

While generally considered harmless, one species, the California leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata), has been documented attacking humans. The smallest species in this family reaches about 40 cm (16 inches), while others can grow up to 150–175 cm (59 to 69 inches). Smooth dogfishes, like those in the genera Triakis and Mustelus, are bottom dwellers that feed on crustaceans and small fish.23

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chondrichthyan
Annotated classification
Family Triakidae (smooth dogfishes) The principal distinguishing feature is small, closely crowded teeth in series, rounded or somewhat compressed and with 3 or 4 cusps. True nictitating membrane lacking in eye. Development ovoviviparous or viviparous. Although sharks of this family are generally considered harmless, there is…
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Family Triakidae (smooth dogfishes) The principal distinguishing feature is small, closely crowded teeth in series, rounded or somewhat compressed and with 3 or 4 cusps. True nictitating membrane lacking in eye. Development ovoviviparous or viviparous. Although sharks of this family are generally considered harmless, there is…
Read More