Overview
Leopard sharks, commonly known as catsharks, are characterized by their distinctive spotted pattern, resembling a leopard's coat, which ranges from dark brown to black spots on a light gray or tan background. They are distinguished from other catsharks by their relatively slender body, long snout, and small, widely spaced eyes.
Commonly found in:
- Mexico
- Canada
- Japan
- China
- Chile
- Peru
- Ecuador
- Brazil
- Uruguay
Over the past 69 years, there has been 1 recorded leopard shark. This attack occurred at the following location:
Size and Weight
- Size: Males average between 4-5 feet when mature; females average between 5-6 feet when mature
- Weight: Males typically weigh 20-40 pounds; females typically weigh 40-70 pounds
- Swimming speed: Both sexes swim at speeds of 2-3 mph
Interaction with Humans
- Interaction with Humans: Generally harmless, rarely aggressive towards humans
- Avoidance: Stay out of shallow coastal waters, especially during dusk and night
- Activity: Most active at night and during twilight hours
Lifespan and Diet
- Lifespan: Males live approximately 20-25 years; females live approximately 25-30 years
- Diet: Crabs, shrimp, fish, clams, worms; hunts by scavenging and foraging along the ocean floor
Migratory Patterns
Leopard sharks exhibit seasonal migration patterns along the Pacific coast of North America. They typically start in southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico during winter months. As water temperatures warm in spring and summer, they migrate northward to areas such as San Francisco Bay, Humboldt Bay, and sometimes as far north as Oregon. In autumn, they return southward to their winter grounds. These migrations are primarily driven by changes in water temperature and breeding cycles.
