TM
Common Names: Leopard Shark, Zebra Shark
Scientific Name: Stegostoma fasciatum
Size: Average 2.4m, possibly up to 3.5m
Found in: Tropical Western Pacific and Indian oceans, usually found on sandy bottoms or near coral reefs in coastal waters.
Population Status: Vulnerable to Extinction (IUCN 2007)
Tooth Shape:
Leopard Shark teeth are modified into crushing plates.
Reproduction:
Oviparous - Egg Layers
Eggs hatch after approx. 5-6 months
The female lays large (17 cm in length) egg cases that have hair-like fibres, which anchor the eggs to the rocks or coral. The young are 20 –26 cm when they hatch. Juveniles are brown with yellow/white bars and blotches, hence the common name: zebra shark.
Interesting Facts:
Leopard sharks are slow-moving and often just sit on the sea floor on sandy or rocky bottoms. Unlike most types of sharks, it does not need to move to breathe and instead pumps water through its gills.
An albino leopard shark was discovered in 1973 in the Indian Ocean. She had a greyish tail, but was otherwise uniformly white without the usual dark spots seen on adults.
© Tim Nicholson.
