Southern California Bight Species Database

Welcome to the Species Database for the Southern California Bight Elasmobranch Consortium. This database will focus solely on the elasmobranchs that reside within the Bight. Its important to remember that elasmobranchs are shy creatures and many of these species far from being dangerous to humans will actively swim away when encountered. In addition many of the described species are 'pelagic' so it is extremely unlikely that a surfer or swimmer will encounter such species.

The Bight plays host to a great variety of Elasmobranchs from well known species such as the Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) and Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata). In addition there are many species of rays and skates that often find their way onto your dinner plate. Many of these species have weird and wonderful features regarding their life history and are a joy to watch.

How to Use.

In order to use this database it is helpful but by no means necessary to be familiar with the latin names given to species. At the end of each page there will be a 'drop down menu' from which you can select the appropriate species you think you have seen. For instance, if you have seen what you think is a leopard shark but your not sure then you can progress to the leopard shark page to see photos or a drawing annotating key identification features. In addition there will be a description of the appropriate species. If you are unsure of the species then you can click on the 'family name' on the toolbar at the side. This will bring you to a page that has pictures of all the species / drawings for this family we have on file. Simply pick the shark you think it looks like and carry on.

To Begin, Click on Class: Chondrichthyes on the upper right toolbox.

n.b. The SCB Species Database is currently under construction, please check back regularly for updates

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Sub-Phylum: Vertebrata

Class: Chondrichthyes