Stegostoma fasciatum Herman 1783
leopard shark, zebra shark
Leopard sharks are summer visitors to Julian Rocks, generally when the water temperature is above 22oC.
They are usually seen in swimming in mid-water or sometimes resting on the bottom, and seem friendly towards divers.
Adult leopard sharks are unmistakable. They are yellow-brown with dark spots. They have ridges along their flanks and have large, distinctive tails.Juveniles have striped markings and so this species is also known as a zebra shark Leopard sharks lay dark egg cases, about 15cms long, which are attached, by fibres, to the sea floor.
Leopard sharks feed on crustaceans, molluscs and small fish.
They are usually seen in swimming in mid-water or sometimes resting on the bottom, and seem friendly towards divers.
Adult leopard sharks are unmistakable. They are yellow-brown with dark spots. They have ridges along their flanks and have large, distinctive tails.Juveniles have striped markings and so this species is also known as a zebra shark Leopard sharks lay dark egg cases, about 15cms long, which are attached, by fibres, to the sea floor.
Leopard sharks feed on crustaceans, molluscs and small fish.
Distribution = Indo-Pacific
Max size = 3m
Family = Stegostomatidae
Max size = 3m
Family = Stegostomatidae
