Photo: Francis Day · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The zebra shark is a docile, bottom-dwelling shark of the Indo-Pacific, named for the dark stripes seen in juveniles that fade into a spotted pattern as adults.
Appearance
It has a slender, cylindrical body with ridges running along its sides, a long tail fin nearly as long as its body, and a pattern that shifts from stripes as a juvenile to leopard-like spots as an adult.
Habitat & Distribution
The zebra shark is found in ocean habitats.
Diet & Behavior
Diet: Carnivore — Meat-eating animals that hunt, scavenge, or fish for prey, ranging from big cats to snakes and birds of prey.
Zebra sharks are nocturnal and slow-moving, resting motionless on the seafloor by day and using suction to feed on small invertebrates hidden in the sand at night.
Predators
- Larger sharks
Prey
- Mollusks
- Crustaceans
- Small fish
Interesting Facts
- 1
Juveniles are striped like a zebra, but adults are spotted like a leopard.
- 2
It spends most of the day resting motionless on the sea floor.
- 3
It can pump water over its gills while stationary, unlike sharks that must keep swimming to breathe.
Gallery
Zebra Shark FAQs
What does a zebra shark eat?
The zebra shark is a carnivore. Its diet includes mollusks, crustaceans, small fish.
Where does the zebra shark live?
The zebra shark is found in ocean habitats across asia and australia.
Is the zebra shark endangered?
The zebra shark has a conservation status of Endangered. Species facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
How long do zebra sharks live?
A zebra shark's typical lifespan is 25–30 years in the wild.
How much does a zebra shark weigh?
An adult zebra shark typically weighs 20–30 kg.