Leopard Shark

The leopard shark — also called the zebra shark in its juvenile form, when it displays distinctive stripes — is one of Thailand’s most recognisable and beloved marine animals. Growing to 2.5 metres, these strikingly patterned sharks rest motionless on sandy or gravelly bottoms, seemingly oblivious to the divers who gather around them.

Behaviour

Leopard sharks are benthic (bottom-dwelling) and spend most of their time resting on the seafloor. They breathe by actively pumping water over their gills rather than relying on forward motion like many sharks, which allows them to remain stationary for extended periods. They feed nocturnally on molluscs, small fish, and crustaceans.

By day, finding a leopard shark resting on the sand — its spotted body perfectly relaxed, its tail gently waving — is one of the most intimate wildlife encounters in Thai diving. They can be approached slowly to within arm’s reach (though touching is not recommended).

In Thailand

Leopard sharks are one of the most commonly encountered sharks in Thailand, present at sites throughout both the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. Southwest Pinnacle on Koh Tao is particularly famous for multiple simultaneous sightings. Shark Point near Phuket is named partly for these animals.

Conservation

Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and fishing pressure. Thailand’s marine protected areas provide important refuges, and the dive tourism industry has created strong economic incentives for local communities to protect these animals.