Leopard Sharks (Zebra Shark)

Leopard sharks — also called zebra sharks — are one of the most photogenic shark species in Indo-Pacific diving. Juveniles are dark with white stripes (hence 'zebra'); adults shift to yellow-brown with chocolate-spot patterns. The species name flipped from zebra to leopard in old guidebooks, causing decades of confusion.

They rest motionless on sandy bottoms during the day, propped on their pectoral fins, often dozing through entire dives within metres of patient divers. Long whip-like tail accounts for nearly half their body length and helps them slip through narrow reef crevices to flush out prey at night.

Phi Phi's Shark Point is the iconic encounter — daily sightings Nov–Apr. Similan Islands have them too. Andaman sand patches, Bali (Crystal Bay), and Sipadan are reliable. They're harmless and curious — once you've found one, you can hover within a metre for the entire 60 minutes.