Site icon Our Breathing Planet

Zebra Shark

Zebra Shark, Stegostoma fasciatum

Source: https://bit.ly/3mJxkvt Photographer: Sigmund CC License: https://bit.ly/3iV7BiN

Zebra Shark, Stegostoma fasciatum
Source: https://bit.ly/3mJxkvt Photographer: Sigmund CC License: https://bit.ly/3iV7BiN

Zebra Shark Facts

Source: https://bit.ly/3DyvEfm Photographer: Daniel Sasse CC License: https://bit.ly/2YLD53V

Zebra Shark Physical Description

The Zebra Shark certainly impresses its fair share of those who encounter the creature in its native habitat. It does not do so, however, due to sheer size. That’s because, in that particular respect, this marvel of Nature represents a roughly average-sized species of its kind.

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. This makes distinguishing the genders difficult.

The two sexes therefore present virtually identical sizes and patterns of coloration. An average body length for a mature adult of either sex reaches roughly 8.2 ft (2.5 m). Exceptional specimens, however, do occasionally attain lengths of as much as 11 ft (3.5 m).

In general, furthermore, the body manifests a strongly cylindrical shape. The head usually develops as slightly flattened, and possessed of a blunt, short snout. Its eyes also develop as quite small, and appear on the sides of the head. The species manifests 5 gill slits.

The somewhat confusing name of the Zebra Shark derives from the appearance of the immature individuals. These manifest a distinctly differenct pattern of coloring that the adults. As the common name implies, the immature shark presents stripes, like a zebra.

The adults of the species, meanwhile, develop a different pattern as they age. Most mature individuals present a light background, typically various shades of tan. This, though, has a covering of numerous small spots. These markings appear a dark brown to black in color.

Source: https://bit.ly/3ADelYl Photographer: Makolga3113 CC License: https://bit.ly/3mHT1wc

Zebra Shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Fortunately, the stunning Zebra Shark appears to be endemic to a relatively wide swathe of the oceans of the world. This further seems to hold true in comparison with many, though, certainly, not all known species of sharks. Yet its known range remains respectable.

More precisely, however, it seems to inhabit specific portions of the Indo-Pacific region. Within that range, though, it only makes its home in the tropical waters of the area. That range extends from South Africa, through the Red Sea, to India, and all the way to Australia.

In all the regions of its range that it appears in, however, the animal displays decided preferences for its choice of habitat. In this, it possesses two very specific requirements. The creature only lives in the intertidal zone, and lives as a bottom-dwelling species.

Within that habitation zone, though, individuals live their lives in various locations. Specimens appear at maximum recorded depths of no more than 203 ft (62 m). Most individuals, in fact, prefer shallower depths. These often swim along the continental shelf.

The Zebra Shark evolved as primarily nocturnal in nature. Most individuals remains sluggish by day, typically moving very little. These most often appear on the ocean floor, frequently facing into the current. This facilitates their breathing while minimizing movement.

By night, however, it transforms into an active, powerful swimmer and hunter. It mainly feeds on small fish, various crustaceans, and possibly sea snakes. Typically a solitary creature, it nevertheless occasionally bands together in large groups for unknown reasons.

Species Sharing Its Region

Check out our other articles on 5 Marvelous Mammals of California, Shoebill, Macquarie Island, Yellow Throated Marten, Parrot’s Beak, Giant Wood Moth, Giant Girdled Lizard

Exit mobile version