An underwater videographer has shared spellbinding footage that shows just how peaceful sharks can be. In the clip, leopard sharks swim calmly past the camera as if in slow motion.
“There’s nothing like sinking to the bottom of the kelp forest and watching leopard sharks glide effortlessly around me,” says Jordan Manning of his footage on Instagram. “Calm, curious, and completely at peace.”
Leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) – not to be confused with leopard sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum), which are also known as zebra sharks in some parts of the world – are very timid.
“These beautifully patterned sharks aren’t dangerous at all,” says Manning. “They feed on crabs, clams, and little fish, and often hang out in shallow waters to stay warm.”
Some people might be afraid of spending time in the water with sharks but Manning was grateful for the wonderful experience. “Despite their striking appearance, they’re shy by nature, which makes moments like this feel even more magical,” he says. “Just me, the ocean, and these quiet, graceful cruisers moving through the kelp.”
Image and video credit: Jordan Manning / instagram.com/jays_visions/
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