Overview
The Indo-Pacific leopard shark (or Stegostoma tigrinum), also known as the zebra shark, is a distinctive and slow-moving benthic shark. It is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and eastern coast of Africa to Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and as far north as southern Japan. It inhabits coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and seagrass beds at depths from the surface to 60m. As juveniles, these sharks have black and white bands, hence their former common name, ‘zebra shark,’ but as they mature, their colouration changes to a pale yellow or tan body covered in dark leopard-like spots. They measure between 2.0m and 2.7m long with females generally larger than males, and weigh between 30kg to 50kg.
Appearance
Adult
Juvenile
Size & weight
Size
Length: 1.2 to 1.6 m
Juvenile
Juvenile weight
4.25 kg
Measured as Length. The person stands 1.75 m tall for scale.
Habitat requirements
Barrier grade
Grade 2 of 5
Minimum height
1 m minimum
Climbing & water
Climb proof
Not needed
Water barrier
Not allowed
Habitat needs
Minimum area
Deep water
36 m² + 18 m² per extra animal
Environment
Temperature
24 to 29°C
Plant coverage
0-80%
Water salinity
Saltwater
Enclosure
Aquarium
Terrain
- Sand 20-100%
- Soil 0-50%
- Rock 0-50%
Thriving Relationships
Large Indo-Pacific Reef animals: sharing a habitat with one of these species fulfils a Thriving requirement.
Blackspotted Puffer
Blacktip Reef Shark
Blue and Gold Fusilier
Bluespine Unicornfish
Clown Anemonefish
Clown Triggerfish
Dolphinfish
Giant Grouper
Golden Trevally
Hawksbill Turtle
Humphead Wrasse
Indian Ocean Oriental Sweetlips
Indo-Pacific Sergeant
Javanese Cownose Ray
Longfin Batfish
Ocellated Eagle Ray
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
Pacific Sardine
Palette Surgeonfish
Sailfin Snapper
Sand Tiger Shark
Schooling Bannerfish
Threespot Damselfish
Yellow TangDiet and enrichment
Diet
- Whole Fish
- Squid
Conservation
IUCN Red List
Vulnerable
Least concern
Critically endangered
The Indo-Pacific leopard shark is classified as Endangered. Historically abundant in tropical coral reef and lagoon habitats throughout the Indo-Pacific, the species has suffered sharp population declines due to overfishing, particularly for its meat, fins, and liver oil. It is often caught as bycatch when targeting other marine animals. Its slow growth, late sexual maturity, and low reproductive rate make it especially vulnerable to exploitation. It is further threatened by degradation of coral reef ecosystems caused by coastal development, pollution, and climate change. Marine protected areas (MPAs) safeguard critical reef habitats and nursery zones. Public aquariums maintain successful captive breeding programs, reducing wild capture and providing valuable data on reproduction, growth, and health. Education programs raise awareness of the species among coastal communities, while international trade in the species is regulated and monitored. While challenges remain, efforts to improve fisheries management, habitat protection, and public engagement offer hope for the long-term survival of the Indo-Pacific leopard shark.
Zoopedia sketchbook
Social & reproduction
Keeper notes
Indo-Pacific leopard sharks are usually solitary, but may gather in large groups on occasion for reasons unknown. The Indo-Pacific leopard can breed year-round. During mating, males grasp the females using their claspers to initiate copulation. Unlike some shark species, the Indo-Pacific leopard shark lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young. Females are known to store sperm for extended periods, allowing fertilisation to occur long after mating; a trait that has led to successful reproduction in isolated females within aquariums. Females typically lay eggs in pairs, encased in large, tough, fibrous egg capsules that anchor to the seafloor or reef structures. Eggs incubate for 4 to 6 months, depending on water temperature, after which fully formed juvenile sharks hatch, measuring around 20cm to 25cm in length. Leopard sharks grow slowly and have a relatively long lifespan, living up to 25 to 30 years in captivity. They reach sexual maturity at approximately 6 to 8 years for males and 8 to 10 years for females, when they reach a size of around 1.5m to 2m. Growth continues gradually even after maturity, although it slows significantly with age.
Group and breeding
Group
Group name
School
Group size
1-20 (up to 20 males, up to 20 females)
Male bachelor group
1-20
Female bachelor group
1-20
Offspring dispersal
None
Lifecycle and breeding
Life expectancy
20-30 years
Age of sexual maturity
8 years
Age of sexual sterility
Death
Gestation or incubation
6.5 months
Interbirth period
5.5 months
Litter size
2-6
Mating system
Promiscuous
Mating season
Aseasonal
Reproduction in captivity
Average
Colourmorphs
- Darker Variation
- Lighter Variation
- Albino
Research
Research levels
| Level | Unlocks | Research gate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Thriving Requirement 1: Lattice Ball, at least 2; Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark Fact Sheet | |
| Level 2 | Thriving Requirement 2: at least 15 objects or plants with the Rocks tag; Fertility Level 1 (+15% fertility) | |
| Level 3 | Thriving Requirement 3: Food Grade 2; Release groups and release to the wild | |
| Level 4 | Thriving Requirement 4: Rock terrain | |
| Level 5 | Thriving Requirement 5: Large Indo-Pacific Reef animals Social Group; Fertility Level 2 (+30% fertility) |
Researched by
Vets
Researched at
Habitat or exhibit and Research Centre
Every level of this species' research, with its unlock conditions.
Release groups
Valid release groups
| Group | Type | Animals |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Group | Mixed group | 2 males, 2 females |
| Solitary Male | Solitary male | 1 male |
| Solitary Female | Solitary female | 1 female |
| Breeding Partners | Mixed group | 1 male, 1 female |
Release groups, reserve requirements and the roles this species fills.
Animal facts
- Unlike many shark species, Indo-Pacific leopard sharks do not need to swim to breathe and may remain stationary for hours while breathing through ‘buccal pumping’.
- Indo-Pacific leopard sharks have crushing teeth and prefer to feed on hard-shelled prey like crustaceans and molluscs.
- The long, flexible body of the Indo-Pacific leopard shark allows them to get into small crevices in the reef to feed.
- The eggs of the Indo-Pacific leopard shark are very large, each one measures 17cm to 22cm long.
- Indo-Pacific leopard sharks are very slow swimmers and are usually cruising at speeds of 2km/h.
Taxonomy
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
