Kingdom : Animalia Class : Chondrichthyes Family : Stegostomatidae Scientific Name : Stegostoma Fasciatum Size : 0.6m - 2.5m (2ft - 8.2ft) Weight : 16 - 20kg (35 - 44lbs) pH Level : 7.8 - 8.4 Type : Salt Colour : Brown, Black, Yellow, White, Grey Skin Type : Smooth Special Features : Flattened body shape and long tail fin
- Zebra Sharks are found in the warm tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region.
- Known as carpet sharks, they enjoy lying on the seabed for long durations.
- Young Zebra Sharks have stripes on their bodies but adults have spots instead.
- Zebra Sharks have elongated bodies with slightly flattened heads and a short snout.
- Their long tails give them flexibility in water and helps them move like eels.
- Zebra Sharks are dark coloured, usually black, brown or grey in colour.
- They are strong creatures who swim fast and can travel good distances when necessary.
- They have 5 distinctive ridges running along the length of their bodies.
- Zebra Sharks are nocturnal and hunt at night but rest during daytime.
- They are omnivorous but mainly eat small fish and crustaceans like snails, crabs etc.
- They suck out their prey from reefs and crevices with a strong suction force.
- They are usually not dangerous to humans and don’t attack unless provoked.
- Their predators include bigger sharks and humans who hunt them for fins and oil.
- Zebra Sharks can live for about 15 – 20 years approximately.
- They are oviparous and average litter size is about 10.
- Incubation period for Zebra Sharks is around 5 months.
- Zebra Sharks are solitary creatures but at times they do congregate in groups.
- They are adaptable and hence are suitable to maintain in captivity for public aquariums.