This facilitates their breathing while minimizing movement.īy night, however, it transforms into an active, powerful swimmer and hunter. These most often appear on the ocean floor, frequently facing into the current. Most individuals remains sluggish by day, typically moving very little. The Zebra Shark evolved as primarily nocturnal in nature. These often swim along the continental shelf. Most individuals, in fact, prefer shallower depths. Specimens appear at maximum recorded depths of no more than 203 ft (62 m). Within that habitation zone, though, individuals live their lives in various locations. The creature only lives in the intertidal zone, and lives as a bottom-dwelling species. In this, it possesses two very specific requirements. In all the regions of its range that it appears in, however, the animal displays decided preferences for its choice of habitat. That range extends from South Africa, through the Red Sea, to India, and all the way to Australia. Within that range, though, it only makes its home in the tropical waters of the area. More precisely, however, it seems to inhabit specific portions of the Indo-Pacific region. This further seems to hold true in comparison with many, though, certainly, not all known species of sharks. These markings appear a dark brown to black in color.ĬC License: Zebra Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecologyįortunately, the stunning Zebra Shark appears to be endemic to a relatively wide swathe of the oceans of the world. This, though, has a covering of numerous small spots. Most mature individuals present a light background, typically various shades of tan. The adults of the species, meanwhile, develop a different pattern as they age. As the common name implies, the immature shark presents stripes, like a zebra. These manifest a distinctly differenct pattern of coloring that the adults. The somewhat confusing name of the Zebra Shark derives from the appearance of the immature individuals. Its eyes also develop as quite small, and appear on the sides of the head. The head usually develops as slightly flattened, and possessed of a blunt, short snout. In general, furthermore, the body manifests a strongly cylindrical shape. Exceptional specimens, however, do occasionally attain lengths of as much as 11 ft (3.5 m). An average body length for a mature adult of either sex reaches roughly 8.2 ft (2.5 m). The two sexes therefore present virtually identical sizes and patterns of coloration. This makes distinguishing the genders difficult. It does differ from many of its brethren in that regard, however, This holds true due to the fact that this specific species does not display any noticeable degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. That’s because, in that particular respect, this marvel of Nature represents a roughly average-sized species of its kind. It does not do so, however, due to sheer size. The Zebra Shark certainly impresses its fair share of those who encounter the creature in its native habitat. Related Articles Horn Shark Spiny Dogfish Epaulette Shark Source: ĬC License: Zebra Shark Physical Description Its greatest potential threat, though, likely comes in the form of ongoing climate change. Habitat loss poses an increasing threat, as man intrudes into its domain, of course. The impressive Zebra Shark nevertheless faces other threats to its existnce, however.

It’s mainly sought for its meat, liver oil, and fins. This holds true because the natural wonder remains actively sought after across most of its range. Presently, the leading culprit for its decline in population continues to be commercial fishing practices.The IUCN, therefore, presently lists it as Endangered on its Red List. Moreover, this regrettable trend seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its known range. Unfortunately, the population of this amazing creature appears to be declining.He received the accreditation posthumously, however, since the man himself died several years earlier. The first known official recording of it as a separate and distinct species took place in 1758, due to the efforts of the Dutch zoologist, Albertus Seba.That’s because its formal scientific name’s Stegostoma tigrinum. That term, however, as with many such creatures, remains somewhat hard to pronounce. Professionals, such as researchers, meanwhile, typically refer to the creature by its scientific name.For the moment, the remarkable sea-dwelling species has no other generally accepted common name. In a strange turn of events, this fascinating ocean fish most frequently goes by the unusual, as well as deceptive, common name of the Zebra Shark.

Zebra shark length