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Zebra shark

Stegostoma fasciatum

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Fun Facts

Zebra sharks can breathe via buccal pumping. Using muscles to pump water over their gills allows them to breathe while resting on the seafloor instead of continuously swimming. 

Species Type:

Sharks & Rays, Fishes

Common Name(s):

Zebra shark

Size:

Zebra sharks grow up to 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) long .

Diet:

The diet of a zebra shark consists largely of invertebrates such as snails, urchins, shrimp, and crabs, as well as small fish.

Range & Habitat:

Zebra sharks can be found near coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific ocean.

Details:

Zebra sharks get their name from the coloration they exhibit as juveniles. Juvenile zebra sharks have brown and white stripes, but as they get older, their pattern lightens to become tan with dark brown leopard-like spots. The upper lobe of a zebra shark’s tail is much larger than the lower lobe, giving them a long, slender appearance.