Zebra Shark
Stegostoma tigrinum
- Group: Shark
- Typical depth: 0 to 90 m
- Max size: 3.5 m
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: EN
The young wear pale stripes that break into a leopard's spots as they grow, which is why the species answers to two names. A slow, supple shark of tropical sand and coral bottoms, it spends the day resting and hunts mollusks, small fish and crustaceans at night, reaching about three and a half metres. Overfishing has pushed it onto the Endangered list.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Elasmobranchii › Orectolobiformes › Stegostomatidae › Stegostoma
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 313100.
FAQ
- How deep does the Zebra Shark live?
- The Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) is typically found at 0 to 90 m.
- Is the Zebra Shark dangerous to divers?
- The Zebra Shark can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Zebra Shark get?
- The Zebra Shark grows to about 3.5 m.