- Where to see one
- 3 U.S. zoos in our directory hold leopard shark, confirmed against each zoo's own animal list.
Conservation status
Not Evaluated
This species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List, so it sits outside the threat scale entirely.
About the leopard shark
The leopard shark is a slender houndshark of the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from Oregon to Mazatlan, Mexico. Usually 1.2 to 1.5 m long, it is easily identified by black saddle-like markings and large spots over a silvery to bronzy gray back. Large schools gather in bays and estuaries, over sandy or muddy flats and near kelp beds and reefs, mostly in water less than 4 m deep. Groups follow the tide onto mudflats to eat clams, spoon worms, crabs, shrimp, bony fish and fish eggs. Most individuals stay in one area, and this has produced genetically distinct populations. It is harmless to humans.
Leopard Shark facts
- Seven distinct gene pools have been identified along the California coast between Humboldt Bay and San Diego.
- Females give birth to as many as 37 young after a gestation of 10 to 12 months.
- Sharks have gathered near warm effluent discharges from power plants.
- In older literature it may be called the tiger shark or catshark.
Where to see leopard shark in the U.S.
3 zoos across 2 states
Find the closest one
Rank the 3 zoos holding leopard shark by how far they are from you. Your location is used in your browser to sort this list and is never sent to us.
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Built from each zoo's own published animal list.
