The leopard shark is one of the coolest shark species there is. It's a sleek, spotted shark that gets its name from the leopard-like patterns of dark spots and saddle-shaped markings along its body.
You can get up close and personal to our very own leopard shark, along with other shark species, at SEA LIFE Grapevine in Dallas! Before you come face to fin with this beautiful species, why not learn more about them? Read on to discover more about their habitat, size, and diet.
The leopard shark diet mainly consists of small and easy-to-catch prey, like crabs, fish eggs, worms and tiny fish.
These types of sea creatures are easy for leopard sharks to catch as their mouth is on the underside of their head, so they can sort through sand for prey while swimming along. Their mouths are equipped with specialized, small, pointed teeth that are effective for gripping slippery prey, such as fish, and crushing the hard shells of crustaceans. Leopard sharks even have special sensory organs that detect electric signals produced by prey, which helps them locate their next meal.
Leopard sharks are typically docile, and pose virtually no danger to humans. There are currently no cases of a leopard shark biting a human, according to The International Shark Attack File.
Leopard sharks are not known for biting people, and typically have a shy nature. Their teeth are small and blunt, crafted for hunting small prey rather than biting humans or larger animals.
Leopard sharks are relatively small compared to other shark species. They usually measure around 4 to 5 feet in length, which seems tiny compared to other sharks like Great Whites, which can reach up to 20 feet!
Leopard sharks typically weigh between 20 and 40 pounds, but larger ones can occasionally reach up to 70 pounds. This makes them one of the lighter shark species, as heavier sharks like Bull Sharks can weigh 700 pounds, while Great Whites can reach up to 7,000 pounds.
Leopard Shark Pups
Unlike many other fish species, mother leopard sharks keep their eggs inside them until they hatch, rather than laying them. Baby leopard sharks are called pups, and litters can range from anywhere between 4 to 30 pups that are born after a gestation period of 10-12 months. At birth, a leopard shark’s size is just 8–10 inches long, but they’re already prepared to take on the world, swimming off on their own right away.
Learn about the Leopard Shark’s Habitat
So, where do leopard sharks live? These sleek swimmers can be found cruising the shallow waters of the Pacific Ocean, with a particular love for sandy flats, kelp forests, and muddy bays. They rarely venture into water deeper than 65 feet, as they prefer warm, sunlit shallows where they can easily find their food on the ocean floor.
Are Leopard Sharks Endangered?
Leopard sharks are not currently endangered and are classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, they still face threats like habitat degradation, pollution, and overfishing in some areas.
Responsible fishing practices and marine conservation efforts help ensure their populations remain healthy, and certain states have introduced fishing limits to protect these incredible creatures.
Visiting the Leopard Shark in Person
Want to meet a real life leopard shark? Dive into an unforgettable underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Dallas and get up close with some of the ocean’s most fascinating sharks—including the leopard shark and other species like the nurse shark! Book your tickets now to see these incredible creatures in our 360 Degree Ocean Tunnel at SEA LIFE Dallas!
