leopard shark
• noun
North American A slender, docile species of houndshark native to the Pacific coast of North America, characterized by striking dark saddles and large black spots over a silvery or gray body.
"Snorkelers frequently spot the harmless leopard shark gliding gracefully over the shallow, sandy flats of La Jolla Cove."
Australian A large, bottom-dwelling carpet shark found throughout the Indo-Pacific, known scientifically as the zebra shark, which loses its juvenile stripes and develops leopard-like spots as it matures.
"While diving on the Great Barrier Reef, we encountered a massive leopard shark resting motionless on the sandy ocean floor."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North America, 'leopard shark' refers to a specific species of houndshark (Triakis semifasciata), whereas in Australia and the Indo-Pacific, the exact same common name is widely used for the adult zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum), often causing confusion among divers and aquarists.
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Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.