ANIMAL SPECIES:Leopard Shark, Stegostoma fasciatum (Hermann, 1783)
The Leopard Shark is a sluggish slow-swimming fish that feeds primarily on gastropod and bivalve molluscs. It is unagressive when approached underwater and considered to be harmless.
Alternative Names/s
Zebra SharkClassification
- Species:
- fasciatum
- Genus:
- Stegostoma
- Family:
- Stegostomatidae
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Identification
The Leopard Shark has large pectoral fins, two close-set, spineless dorsal fins and a very long caudal fin that lacks a ventral lobe.
It is a slow-moving species that has 5 gill slits (slits 4 and 5 overlap) and strong ridges along the upper sides.
It is usually yellow-brown in colour with a covering of dark brown spots. Individuals less than 70 cm in length are brown with narrow yellow to white bars and blotches.
Size range
The species grows to at least 2.4 m in length, and possibly up to 3.5 m.Distribution
It is found in coastal waters throughout the tropical Indo-West Pacific.
In Australia it is recorded from the western coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to the central coast of New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Leopard Shark specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The Leopard Shark is often seen on sandy bottoms.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The Leopard Shark feeds primarily on gastropod and bivalve molluscs with lesser amounts of crabs, shrimps and small fishes.
Mating and reproduction
The species is oviparous, laying large (17cm in length), dark coloured egg cases that have tufts of hair-like fibres which serve to anchor them to the bottom.
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Compagno, L.J.V. 1984. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 4, Sharks of the World. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Part 1 - Hexanchiformes to Lamniformes: viii, 1-250.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994 Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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A Leopard Shark at Julian Rocks View full size
A Leopard Shark resting on the sand at Julian Rocks View full size
A lateral view of a Leopard Shark at Julian Rocks View full size
Caligoid copepods on the snout of a Leopard Shark View full size
A Slender Suckerfish attached to a Leopard Shark View full size
A Leopard Shark at Corbett Reef View full size
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