Sunday, February 6, 2011

Leopard shark

Identification:

Easily distinguished by bold pattern of large dark saddles extending from the head along the back. Centre of saddles lighter in adults. Saddles are separated by smaller dark spots on a cream to grey/brown background. Overall body shape is elogated and slender. Second dorsal proportionately large. Pectoral fins falcate. Snout broadly rounded with widely spaced nasal flaps that do not reach mouth.

Albino Leopard sharks have rare but have been recorded.



Size:

Maximum recorded size 180cm. Size at birth 20cm.



Habitat:

Prefers shallow sand flats and confined muddy bays. Likes turbid water. Occasionally in or near kelp beds on rocky substrate.



Abundance and distribution:

Confined to the temperate and tropical coastline between Oregon and Southern Baja including the Sea of Cortez. Often seen in large aggregations close to shore. Usually intertidal to 4m but has been recorded as deep as 91m.

 
It is usually possible to find Leopard Sharks throughout the summer and early fall directly in front of the Marine Room Restaurant in La Jolla. Why the sharks like this spot isn't clear but it may simply be that they patrol the entire coastline and this is where the snorkellers enter the water to see them.

A good way to get closer to the sharks is to carry some fish but note that La Jolla is a protected area and feeding or harassing the marine life within the park is illegal.



Other diving locations submitted by readers:

Ron Clough (Organizer of the California Shark and Ray Count) suggests that any places where warmer than normal water flows into the sea (e.g. from power plants) Leopard Sharks are likely to be seen



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