Family Triakidae - hound sharks
This is a family of sharks inhabiting the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans from cool temperate to tropical waters. Their coloration is drab olive, brown or gray above and fading to a white underside. All sharks in this family have two dorsal fins. The first dorsal is large and originates over the pectoral fins, the second dorsal is smaller and is opposite the anal fin. The upper lobe of the caudal fin is two or three times longer than the lower lobe. Spiracles and a spiral valve are present in these sharks. Although most members of this family are realtive small, some grow more than 2m in length.
Soupfin shark- Galeorhinus zyopterus
Remarks: Only caught once by an angler in the bay but a common shark of the Pacific, where it is commercially fished as a food fish. Prior to World War II this shark was intensely fished to extract vitamin A from its liver.
Identification: The snout is long and pointed, eyes are oval, mouth is arched and the second dorsal is directly above the anal and about identical in size. Lower lobe of caudal fin is large, about half the size of the upper lobe. These sharks are dusky gray above to a lighter almost white belly. Males approach 27kg while females may top 45kg.
Range: Rarely enters the bay but commonly found in temperate waters of the world, northern B.C. to central Baja and Peru to Chile. Normally an offshore species to a depth of 411m but will also enter bays.
Brown smoothhound- Mustelus henlei
Remarks: Commonly found throughout the bay in all seasons. Scours the bay for invertebrates and smaller fishes.
Identification: This is a smaller shark reaching a total length of 1m. Coloration is dark brown above, lighter bronze on the sides and white below. Similar in appearance to other smoothhounds but differs by having frayed dorsal fins, pointed teeth and the lower lobe of the caudal is not elongated.
Range: Coos Bay Oregon to the Gulf of California. Frequently found in bays and shallows out to a depth of 200m.
Leopard shark- Triakis semifasciata
Remarks: Although the leopard can be found in the bay year round it is most abundant in spring through late summer. This fish is sought after eagerly by both the recreational and commercial fishers for it's excellent eating. While it normally resides within the deeper channels; leopards commonly seek prey in the shallows on the flats. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat invertebrates and a variety of fishes. While mostly a loner it can be found in small schools of leopards or smoothhounds.
Identification: Truly one of the easiest fish to identify with it's unmistakable gray coloration with black splotches and white underneath. The eyes are located on the top of the head. These sharks may approach 2.5m but 1.5m leopards are more common.
Range: Oregon to Baja California within bays and inshore regions seldom found in deeper waters.