Where Does Leopard Shark Live?

Leopard Shark lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Leopard Shark

Water type

saltwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow coastal waters from the intertidal zone down to about 90 meters (300 feet), most commonly in depths less than 20 meters (65 feet).

Environment

Prefers sandy or muddy flats, bays, estuaries, kelp forests, and rocky reefs. Often found near the bottom, but will swim throughout the water column. Tolerant of a wide range of salinities and temperatures.

Geographic range

Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Oregon, USA, south to Mazatlán, Mexico, including the Gulf of California. Most abundant off the coast of California.

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