The zebra shark is an exciting species of shark, but its presence in the wild should be kept in mind. Its scientific name derives from the Greek words stego, which means “covered” and stoma, which means “mouth.” Except for Australia, which is listed as Least Concern, the Endangered species list is maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (U.N.). Human activities such as the destruction of coral reef habitat, dynamiting, and poisoning are threatening zebra sharks in their natural habitat. Most of their territory is used by commercial fishermen as catch bycatch. Men are 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 5.9 feet) tall, while women are 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 5.9 feet). Because it is nocturnal, the species spends the majority of its day lying motionless on the sea floor. Adult zebra sharks have five longitudinal ridges on their cylindrical-shaped bodies, a low caudal fin that is nearly half their body length, and dark spots on their pale skin. One of the few shark species that can reproduce without mating is the zebra shark. There have been only a few provoked attacks, the only one of which involved a diver who pulled his tail to try to ride them. Humans are not at risk because zebra sharks are docile and slow-moving. Their meat is available at supermarkets as both fresh and salt-dried, and it is also used in fishmeal. Humans are among the most dangerous threats to zebra sharks in the same way that other sharks are. The eggs of these sharks hatch in 20 to 30 centimeters (6.9 to 14 inches) long, and they are sometimes mistaken for baby bullhead sharks with yellow stripes on their brown skin.Īdult zebra sharks, on the other hand, are typically preyed upon by only a few predators, including some large shark species. Humans pose the greatest threat to zebra sharks in the same way that they do to other sharks.īaby zebra sharks, also known as pups, are born in the wild and appear to be unlike anything else on the planet. The majority of bites are caused by divers grabbing on to their tails or attempting to ride them.Ī zebra shark is not aggressive, and it has few predators other than larger shark species that may be able to catch one in its jaws. A female can produce up to 50 eggs per month, which means that they are oviparous and can produce up to 50 eggs per month. Crab, mollusk, small bony fish, and shrimp are among the prey items that they prefer to eat. Sharks can live for up to 35 years on average. Adults’ height ranges from 2 to 3.5 meters (6.5 to 11 feet) and weight ranges from 20 to 30 kilograms (44 to 66 pounds). In this article, we will explore the origins of the zebra shark and discuss the factors that have helped them to survive and thrive in the oceans of the world.Ī Zebra Shark, also known as the Leopard Shark or Stegostoma Fasciatum, is a fascinating shark to observe. While it may seem as if this species of shark has just appeared out of nowhere, they actually have a long evolutionary history and are believed to have been around for millions of years. It is recognisable by its stripes and spotted pattern, which give it a zebra-like appearance. There is evidence that its numbers are dwindling.The zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) is a fascinating species of shark that is found in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. The World Conservation Union has assessed this species as Vulnerable worldwide, as it is taken by commercial fisheries across most of its range (except off Australia) for meat, fins, and liver oil. Innocuous to humans and hardy in captivity, zebra sharks are popular subjects of ecotourism dives and public aquaria. The zebra shark is oviparous: females produce several dozen large egg capsules, which they anchor to underwater structures via adhesive tendrils. Though solitary for most of the year, they form large seasonal aggregations. At night, they actively hunt for molluscs, crustaceans, small bony fishes, and possibly sea snakes inside holes and crevices in the reef. Zebra sharks are nocturnal and spend most of the day resting motionless on the sea floor. This species attains a length of 2.5 m (8.2 ft). Young zebra sharks under 50–90 cm (20–35 in) long have a completely different pattern, consisting of light vertical stripes on a brown background, and lack the ridges. Adult zebra sharks are distinctive in appearance, with five longitudinal ridges on a cylindrical body, a low caudal fin comprising nearly half the total length, and a pattern of dark spots on a pale background. It is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, frequenting coral reefs and sandy flats to a depth of 62 m (210 ft). Sometimes it is also called Leopard shark. The zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum or varium) is a species of carpet shark and the sole member of the family Stegostomatidae.
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