Zebra Shark
- Common Name: Zebra Shark
- Scientific Name: Stegostoma fasciatum
- Diet: Mollusks, crustaceans, small fish
- Range: Western Pacific Ocean from Japan to Australia, Indian Ocean, Red Sea
- Size: Roughly 8 feet, up to 65 pounds
- Lifespan: 25 to 30 years
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Endangered
Overview
The zebra shark is a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling species known for its striking transformation in appearance from juveniles to adults. Despite their name, adult zebra sharks don’t have stripes. Instead, they lose their stripes and form patterns of dark spots as they age. These gentle sharks are important members of reef ecosystems and are admired for their unique biology and docile nature.
Geographical Distribution and Habitat
Zebra sharks are found throughout the western Pacific Ocean, ranging from Japan to Australia, as well as in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. They are most commonly seen in the coastal waters of eastern Africa, southern Japan, and western Australia. They prefer inshore marine environments with reefs and coral bottoms and are typically found at depths of around 100 feet. Zebra sharks are well adapted to navigating narrow reef channels thanks to their flexible, elongated bodies.
Diet
Zebra sharks are carnivorous and feed primarily on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Their ability to squeeze into tight spaces allows them to hunt prey hidden within reef structures. They use their muscular, suction-capable mouths to extract food from crevices and sandy bottoms.
Fun Facts
- These sharks get their names from their appearance as juveniles, having dark bodies with yellowish stripes. This pattern changes as they mature – the stripes transforming into small dark spots.
- Female zebra sharks can reproduce asexually through a process called parthenogenesis, where their embryos develop without fertilization.
- Some zebra sharks are known to rest “standing” on their pectoral (side) fins.
ADD-ON EXPERIENCE
Out to Sea
Shark Dive
The Out to Sea Shark Dive takes you underwater inside our steel enclosure to come face-to-fin with sand tiger sharks, brown sharks, and Atlantic goliath groupers. Our state-of-the-art air helmets allow you to comfortably submerge underwater without diver certification.
Learn About Other Animals
Open Ocean
Bonnethead Shark
- Common Name: Bonnethead Shark
- Scientific Name: Sphyrna tiburo
- Diet: Crabs, shrimp, snails, small fish
- Range: Western Atlantic Ocean, eastern Pacific Ocean
- Size: 2 to 3 feet, 13 pounds
- Lifespan: Roughly 12 years
Green Sea Turtle
- Common Name: Green Sea Turtle
- Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
- Diet: Seagrass, algae, plankton, crabs, jellyfish, and sponges
- Range: Circumglobally distributed throughout tropical water, and some subtropical waters
- Size: Up to 3 to 4 feet and a weight of 440 lbs.
- Lifespan: 80 years or more