scubaseason

Leopard Shark

Stegostoma tigrinum

Sighting evidence at South Reef, Pigeon Island

Leopard Shark

Photo: Luis P. B. · CC BY-NC

Leopard sharks — also called zebra sharks in their juvenile patterned form — rest motionless on the sandy bottom at South Reef, particularly between April and August when calmer conditions allow them to settle undisturbed. Adults reach over 2.5 metres and are entirely docile, permitting patient divers to observe them at very close range. Their presence on the sandy channels between bommies highlights the importance of mixed sand-and-reef habitats for elasmobranch rest ecology.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Leopard Shark is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites