The Leopard Shark, is a species of houndshark with a silver or grey body accented by dark saddle shaped splotches along the fins and upper body. This coastal species is common in very shallow water, usually less than 13 ft deep. Leopard sharks have evolved to be well suited to the brackish, muddy or sandy waters they inhabit. They have a higher concentration of red blood cells than other sharks, allowing them to thrive in areas with low oxygen levels. Their keen sense of electroreception helps them find prey in low visibility, which is then pulled into the mouth by a rapid, muscular suction.
At-A-Glance
Scientific Name – Triakis semifasciata
Size – Typically 4-5 ft/1.2-1.5m in length, with some individuals reaching up to 7 ft/2.1m.
Habitat – Prefers shallow, coastal waters, often found in bays and estuaries along the Pacific coast of North America, from Oregon to Mazatlan, Mexico.
Diet – Opportunistic feeder, primarily consuming benthic invertebrates like crabs, shrimp, clams, and small fish species.
Reproduction – Ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live pups after a gestation period of 10-12 months. Litters can range from a few to several dozen pups. Male sharks reach reproductive maturity between 7-13 years old, females from 10-15 years.
Lifespan – Around 30 years.
IUCN Listing – Least Concern, but local populations may face threats from habitat degradation, fishing pressures and harvesting for the aquarium trade. Due to their small geographic range, low genetic exchange, slow growth, delayed maturity and long gestation period, leopard sharks may be vulnerable to depletion.
Protection – Managed under various state and federal regulations in the United States, with specific measures in place in California to prevent overfishing and habitat destruction.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
- The distinctive patterns on Leopard Sharks are thought to provide camouflage. This is especially important for juvenile sharks which are vulnerable to predators. The spots may also play a roll in social communication, allowing individuals to recognize each other and communicate their place in the social hierarchy.
- Leopard sharks are very social and are often found in large schools with smaller groups within them based on age and sex. These schools include not just leopard sharks but also dogfish, shovelnose quitarfish and smoothhounds of a similar size. The schools appear to be nomadic and a social hierarchy is enforced by fin biting.
- Leopard shark vs zebra shark- In different parts of the world, these two common names are used to refer to two different species of sharks. The species we call the leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) in the US, is called a zebra shark in Australia. Conversely, the species Australians call a leopard shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) is referred to as a zebra shark in the US.
Ready To Dive In?
- La Jolla Cove, San Diego, CA: Year-round, with peak sightings in late summer.
- San Francisco Bay, CA: Spring and summer months.
- Monterey Bay, CA: Year-round, with increased sightings in warmer months.
Science In The Spotlight
The Leopard shark’s keen sense of smell holds a big significance for their navigation and conservation.
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