Playful leopard shark loves a belly rub (video)

One diver's incredible encounter with a cute leopard shark loving a belly rub has been caught on camera - and has gone viral online.

The diver is cleaning at the Aqarium des Lagons on the island of New Caledonia in the south west Pacific, when an inquisitive shark glides over.

The man puts down his equipment and starts stroking the shark, who then leans in for more tummy rub action.

The animal moves into a number of different positions, making the most of the stomach scratches, and even looks like he's smiling as if he's in belly rub heaven.

One YouTube user wrote: "The shark is smiling, like best day ever :)."

Another said: "A little to the left. Now, a little to the right...ahh right there!"

The video has been viewed over a million times since being uploaded last month.

In its natural habitat, the leopard shark is found along the Pacific coast of North America, from the US state of Oregon to Mazatlán in Mexico.

They grow up to around 5ft long, and are harmless to humans, feeding on clams, spoon worms, crabs, shrimp, bony fish, and fish eggs.