The leopard shark is a coastal, bottom-dwelling species easily recognized by the striking pattern of black saddle-like markings and large spots across its back and fins. This slender houndshark is a common sight in nearshore waters, often swimming in large schools over the seafloor. Its natural locations span broad geographical boundaries and specific nearshore environments.
Geographic Range Along the Coast
The leopard shark is found exclusively in the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, inhabiting a relatively narrow strip of continental coastline. Its distribution extends from the temperate waters near Coos Bay, Oregon, south to Mazatlán, Mexico, including the Gulf of California.
While its range is wide, the highest concentrations of leopard sharks are consistently recorded along the coast of California. Populations are particularly abundant in central and southern California’s bays and nearshore areas. The area from Oregon to the Mexican border represents the core of the species’ established domain.
Preferred Habitat and Water Conditions
Within its geographic boundaries, the leopard shark shows a strong preference for specific physical conditions, living most commonly in shallow, nearshore environments. It is a benthic species, staying close to the bottom and favoring areas with sandy or muddy flats. The shark is most abundant in the intertidal zone down to about 4 meters, though individuals have been found reaching depths of 91 meters.
Enclosed areas like bays and estuaries are highly utilized habitats, offering protection and rich foraging grounds. The species is tolerant of varying salinity levels, allowing it to thrive in brackish estuarine environments. As a temperate-water shark, it prefers water temperatures between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius.
The abundance of food, safety for young, and accessible shallow water make these areas its primary residence. While they can be found near kelp beds and rocky reefs along the open coast, the muddy bottoms of protected areas remain their favored home.
Seasonal Movements and Coastal Aggregation
Although leopard sharks do not undertake long-distance migrations, their location is dynamic and strongly influenced by seasonal temperature shifts. Sharks in the northern range often move offshore or south during winter when water temperatures drop below 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. They return to coastal habitats in the early spring as the water warms.
During late spring and summer, the species forms large aggregations in specific, very shallow coastal areas. These groups are often separated by sex and size, linking their gathering primarily to reproduction and thermal regulation. Pregnant females gather in the warmest, most protected shallows, such as those found at La Jolla in Southern California.
This behavioral clustering allows female sharks to raise their internal body temperature by as much as 3 degrees Celsius. Scientists hypothesize this thermoregulation accelerates the gestation period of their young. Acoustic monitoring shows that both sexes exhibit seasonal philopatry, returning to the same aggregation sites year after year.