Scyliorhinidae

leopard catshark

Poroderma pantherinum

Leopard shark among South African kelp reefs

• Tropical
• Regional distribution
• Marine fish
• Atlantic Ocean
• Africa
• Elongated
• Large
• Tropical fish

The leopard catshark (Poroderma pantherinum) is a species of catshark, and part of the family Scyliorhinidae, endemic to the coastal waters of South Africa. Abundant in inshore waters under 20 m (66 ft) deep, this bottom-dweller favors rocky reefs, kelp beds, and sandy flats. Growing to a length of 84 cm (33 in), the leopard catshark has a stout body with two dorsal fins placed well back, and a short head and tail.