Catsharks are well adapted for seeing in dim light. In addition, in the back of their eyes, catsharks have a reflective surface, called a tapetum lucidum , which helps concentrate dim light. Catsharks, unlike other sharks, can also adjust the size of their pupil. Catsharks get their name from the similarities between their eyes and the eyes of cats, which hunt in the dark on land. Leopard sharks, blue sharks and prickly sharks are the most common shark species here.
Blue sharks are here seasonally and are abundant near the surface in the summer.
Prickly sharks come to the head of the Monterey Canyon in the spring and summer, but aren't abundant. Catsharks are found in the deep waters of the Monterey Canyon, as are sixgill sharks. Spiny dogfish can be fairly common, too. The shark species we are able to maintain successfully are leopard, brown smoothound, sevengill, sixgill, spiny dogfish, swell, horn, filetail, catshark and soupfin sharks. These are generally species that live on or near the seafloor, and adapt well to life in an aquarium tank.