Leopard Shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) - Marine Life - Liveaboard Diving
Leopard Shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) - Marine Life - Liveaboard Diving

Leopard Shark

The Leopard Shark's real common name is the Zebra Shark. It got this name from its markings during the juvenile stage, but they're more commonly seen as adults, and with markings like a leaopard, not a zebra. They are harmless to humans, because they're bottom feeders, with blunt teeth that they use to hunt crustaceans at night. It's normally easy (although not advised out of respect for the shark) for divers to approach very close to them while they rest on the sandy seabed during the day.

Rare sighting of a Leopard Shark swimming freely in the daytime
Leopard (Zebra) Shark at Richelieu Rock, Thailand
Credit: Alvaro Herrero
Leopard Shark (Stegostoma fasciatum)
Zebra Shark (Stegostoma fasciatum)
Leopard Shark Stegostoma fasciatum
Scientific Rank
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata (Chordates)
Class:
Chondrichthyes: Cartilaginous fish
Order: Orectolobiformes (Carpet Sharks)
Family: Stegostomatidae (Stegostomatidae)
Genus: Stegostoma (Stegostoma)
Species: Stegostoma fasciatum
Size
Average Size: 2 metres

No Troubles Just Bubbles' divers who recently saw Leopard Shark

Mip
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: Merdeka 3
Trip destinations: Koh Phi Phi, Koh Haa, Koh Rok, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Phuket
When: Apr 2024
Michelle
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: Manta Queen 7
Trip destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck
When: Apr 2023

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