Triakis semifasciata, commonly known as the leopard shark, is a small, charismatic species inhabiting the coastal waters of the Northeastern Pacific Ocean. It features distinctive saddle-like dark spots on a silvery-gray body, grows up to 5 feet long, and prefers sandy or muddy bottoms. This species is known for its social behavior, often found in schools, and plays a crucial role in controlling prey populations such as fish and crustaceans.

Triakis semifasciata, commonly known as the Leopard Shark, is native to the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean. Its geographical distribution extends from Oregon, USA, down to the Gulf of California, Mexico. This species is particularly common in the coastal bays and estuaries of California, including the San Francisco Bay, Monterey Bay, and San Diego Bay.

Leopard Sharks inhabit shallow inshore waters, typically at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to about 91 meters (300 feet). They are often found in sandy or muddy bottoms, rocky reefs, and kelp forests. The typical environmental conditions include temperate waters, with a preference for cooler temperatures typically ranging from 10°C to 24°C (50°F to 75°F).

Leopard Sharks play a crucial role as both predators and prey within their ecosystem. They feed on benthic organisms such as crabs, shrimp, small fish, and mollusks, contributing to the control of prey populations. Their presence in estuarine and nearshore habitats makes them an integral part of the coastal marine food web. They are also known to adapt to varying salinity levels, utilizing estuarine environments for juvenile development.