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.
Leopard Shark Stegostoma fasciatum
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Scientific Rank | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: |
Chordata (Chordates)
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Class: |
Chondrichthyes: Cartilaginous fish
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Order: | Orectolobiformes (Carpet Sharks) |
Family: | Stegostomatidae (Stegostomatidae) |
Genus: | Stegostoma (Stegostoma) |
Species: | Stegostoma fasciatum |
Size | |
Average Size: | 2 metres |