Whenever one hears the word “shark,” most people panic. However, at La Jolla, there is no need to panic because most of the sharks here are pretty chill. While La Jolla shores is famous for the large number of leopard sharks that gather here, there are also a few other sharks that you might be able to catch a glimpse of as well. This blog will go over everything you need to know about sharks at La Jolla and the typical ones you can see here.
Leopard Sharks
Of course, most everyone has heard of the famous leopard sharks that are seen at La Jolla! Known scientifically as Triakis semifasciata, these sharks can be found in large numbers along the sands and rocks of La Jolla shores. These sharks gather at La Jolla in the summer, when the waters are warm. They arrive by the hundreds to mate and hatch their offspring. The shallow waters at La Jolla provide the perfect incubation temperature for eggs and the optimal habitat for newborns to grow. Leopard sharks can still be found in the colder months, but in smaller numbers.
While some sharks became infamous for their representation as “man” eaters, Leopard sharks are absolutely not associated with that label. In fact, as long as you aren’t attempting to handle them, they typically try to avoid humans. Snorkeling within them is an extraordinary family experience that every La Jolla visitor should try at least once in their lifetime. The best time to see leopard sharks is around the end of August and September. By this point, mating season is coming to a conclusion, and the majority of migratory sharks have arrived. Despite these sharks being night scavengers, the best hours to view them are early mornings and mid-afternoons.
Broadnose SevenGill Sharks
One of the largest species of shark common to the La Jolla reef system is the Broadnose Seven-Gill Shark – Notorynchus cepedianus. These sharks are named after their prominent physical features. Unlike most other sharks that typically have five-gill slits, these sharks have seven. They have a short snout and a dorsal fin on the back of their body. This powerful shark can be difficult to see due it its “counter-shaded” body. Its grayish-brown back blends with the sand when seen from above and its lightly colored underbelly camouflages with the surface water when observed from below.
Broadnose Seven Gill sharks feed off of various prey, including:
- Dolphins
- Seals
- Fish
- Rays
- Other sharks
These sharks have very limited vision, so they often get really close to divers. You must be asking, “do these sharks attack humans?” For the most part, they don’t. Similar to most sea life, as long as you aren’t harassing them or trying to feed them they’ll just swim by. The mating season for these sharks is between March and May, so if you’re hoping to see one schedule a dive with Trident Divers within these months La Jolla Cove.
Horn Sharks
La Jolla is famous for its diversity of sharks! Horn sharks – Heterodontus francisci are another type of shark that can be seen swimming along the ocean floor. They have blunt snouts and wide heads with ridges over their eyes. They’re typically brownish-gray with brownish-black spots all over their bodies. These slow-moving, nocturnal animals scavenge along the ocean floors for their meals. While they don’t significantly pose any type of threat to humans due to their teeth structure and size, they should be respected from a distance because of the two dorsal spines (horns) located on their back.
Pacific Angel Shark
Did you know that Pacific Angel sharks can be occasionally spotted at La Jolla Shore Canyon during night dives? Yes, if you go on a night dive and get lucky, you might be able to spot one. Pacifica Angel sharks are flat and have huge pectoral fins. Many people confuse them for rays; however, if you observe their teeth, you’ll notice that they’re sharp! While these sharks are not known for any unprovoked bites, they are capable of giving divers a painful bite if disturbed or threatened. These sharks ambush their prey by burying their flat bodies in the sand, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. They’re difficult to see with their skin coloration that matches the ocean floor; however, if you have a keen eye and know what to look for, you might see one on your next night dive at La Jolla!
While La Jolla is home to many different types of sharks, there’s no need to be wary because most of these sharks aren’t known for human attacks. Observing and appreciating these gorgeous creatures are one of the many amazing things you can do diving in La Jolla! We hope this blog gives you a nice overview of everything you need to know about sharks at La Jolla. If you want to see these beautiful sea creatures for yourself, give us a call at 415-9426 or click here to book a scuba tour!
