Shark
Leopard Catshark
Poroderma pantherinum
A small, boldly spotted bottom shark endemic to South Africa, resting in reef caves and gullies by day.
Also known as catshark(leopard), leopard cat shark, luiperdkathaai
- Typical size
- Commonly to about 70 cm
- Habitat
- Rocky and kelp reefs, caves and gullies
- Depth
- Shallows to about 100 m
The leopard catshark is a slender, small shark patterned with a variable network of black rosettes, spots and blotches over a pale grey-brown body, and it has two barbels at the front of its snout. No two individuals are marked quite alike, and patterns range from fine spots to bold leopard-like rosettes.
Endemic to the South African coast, it shelters in caves, gullies and under ledges on rocky and kelp reefs by day and hunts small fish, crabs, worms and molluscs at night. Harmless and easily approached, it is a favourite of Cape divers and lays paired egg cases, or mermaid's purses, among reef and weed.