Leopard shark

Biology

This is one of the most common sharks along the west coast of North America. The leopard shark inhabits shallow waters, especially bays that are occupied during the flood tide, for hunting. However, when the tide goes out, this shark heads down to the rocky, sandy, or kelp-covered bottoms where, in schools of more than 100 individuals, these sharks rest together.

Conservation

Due to the relatively late age of first reproduction - 10 years - and the slow growth rate, the leopard shark is potentially threatened by over-fishing.

Curiosities

During each breeding season, up to 37 young leopard-sharks are born from each female.