Leopard Shark

About the Leopard Shark

Leopard Sharks are found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of North America from Washington, U.S.A. to Mazatlán, Mexico. They are generally found in near-surface waters down to depths of 20 m (65.6 ft), but have also been recorded as deep as 156 m (512 ft).

Biology and Behaviour

Leopard Sharks have a slender body with distinctive black saddle-like markings and large spots along their back. They commonly measure between 120 to 150 cm (47.2–59.1 in) in length. They typically form large schools in bays and estuaries over sandy or muddy slats, or around rocky areas that are near kelp beds and reefs.

They prey on many bottom-dwelling animals, including clams, spoon worms, crabs, shrimp, bony fish and fish eggs. They are reportedly more active at night, most likely because they hunt for food.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Leopard sharks are ovoviviparous. Embryos develop in eggs that hatch inside the mother’s body. Females can have up to 36 pups per litter and usually give birth near shallow and protected habitats over sand or mudflats. The gestation lasts about 10 to 12 months. Pups are about 17 to 25 cm (6.7–9.8 in) in length at birth.

Leopard sharks grow slowly and take many years to become fully mature. Females mature between 10 and 15 years of age at lengths of 105 to 135 cm (41.3–53.1 in). Males mature slightly earlier, between 7 and 13 years of age, at about 100 to 105 cm (39.4–41.3 in) long. The maximum length recorded for leopard sharks was 213 cm (83.9 in). The reported maximum estimated age for a leopard shark is 30 years.

Conservation and Tourism

The IUCN lists leopard sharks as least concern. Leopard sharks are commonly caught in Californian waters, but are not actively regulated by the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Groundfish Management Plan. However, regulations established by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) have contributed significantly to protecting the species.

On January 1st 1992, California introduced new sport fishing regulations that established a minimum size limit of 91 cm (35.8 in) and a daily bag limit of three leopard sharks. A year later, a 45.7 cm (17.9 in) minimum size limit was extended to the commercial fishery for leopard sharks and all sharks and rays to help prevent overharvesting for the aquarium trade.

California also has general restrictions of usage of certain types of commercial fishing gear, particularly gillnets near the shore. This restriction helps protect young leopard sharks who frequent shallow coastal waters

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Leopard Shark Gallery