Leopard Shark
Stegostoma fasciatum
Other Names: Zebra shark. Another completely different shark, Triakis semifasciata, found on the West coast of the USA is also called the leopard shark.
Size: To 2.5 m
Family: Stegostomatidae, this is the only member of the family.
Distribution: It is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, frequenting coral reefs and sandy flats to a depth of 62 m (203 ft).
Status: Endangered
Habitat: Bottom-dwelling in nature, the zebra shark is found from the intertidal zone to a depth of 62 m over the continental and insular shelves. Adults and large juveniles frequent coral reefs, rubble, and sandy areas.
References: Wikipedia
About the Leopard Shark
Leopard sharks are nocturnal and spend most of the day resting motionless on the sea floor. At night, they actively hunt for molluscs, crustaceans, small bony fishes, and possibly sea snakes inside holes and crevices in the reef. Though solitary for most of the year, they form large seasonal aggregations.
The leopard shark is the first shark observed to reproduce asexually.
Photo: Sydney Aquarium. Higher Resolution 3981 x 2654.
Photo: Sydney Aquarium. Higher Resolution 3344 x 2244.
Photo: Sydney Aquarium. Higher Resolution 4256 x 2832.
Photo: Sydney Aquarium. Higher Resolution 4056 x 2713.
See Also
Australian Mammals
Australian Birds
Australian Reptiles
Australian Frogs
Australian Spiders and Their Faces
Australian Wild Plant Foods
Return to Australian Fish