Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
 
 
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Leopard Shark

Triakis semifasciata

   

Fun Facts

    Leopard sharks are bottom feeders and are named because of their stripes.

   

   
 

Description

 
 
These active, fast-moving, nomadic sharks with a leopard-like pattern roam inshore sand flats and rocky areas in schools.  Feeding on fishes, crustaceans and innkeeper worms, they move in a snakelike fashion.  Growing up to 6.5 feet, they do not appear to be aggressive sharks and are not considered dangerous.  They give live birth and the females often stay in warmer bays while the young are still developing.  Often sought by commercial fisherman as food fishes, they range from Oregon to the Gulf of California. 
 
Leopard sharks are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 21 and 35 and at the touch tank.

 
   
 
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