Leopard shark Profile

The Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is a species of houndshark known for its distinctive dark spots and saddle-type markings on a grey or silver background, resembling the pattern of a leopard's coat. This species is native to the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from the U.S. state of Oregon to the Gulf of California in Mexico, favoring temperate coastal waters, estuaries, and bays. Leopard sharks are characterized by a slender body, a broad, rounded snout, and large, oval eyes. They typically reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). While known for their unique appearance and considered relatively harmless to humans, Leopard sharks are not commonly kept in the aquarium hobby due to their size and specific habitat needs.