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AnimalsZebra
Shark
Zebra Shark
Common Name: Leopard Shark
Scientific Name: Stegostoma Fasciatum
Description
 This
fairly docile species grows to at least 2.4m in length, and
possibly up to 3.5m. Juveniles less than 70cm in length are
brown with narrow yellow to white bars and blotches (this
is why they are called a Zebra Shark). These markings change
as the animal grows into an adult and the bars are replaced
with a covering of dark brown spots on a background of yellow-brown,
hence their other common name, the Leopard Shark. Only the
adults have the characteristic spotted pattern. The Zebra
Shark has large pectoral fins, two close-set, dorsal fins
and a very long caudal fin that lacks a ventral lobe. It is
a slow-moving species that has 5 gill slits and strong ridges
running lengthwise along the upper side.
Diet
The
Zebra Shark feeds mainly on small fish, crustaceans and molluscs
and mostly at night.
Behaviour
The
Zebra Shark is a docile species that spends a lot of time
sitting on the seabed. It has the ability to pump water over
its gills when stationary, however, they tend to face into
currents to assist with their breathing.
Habitat
The
Zebra Shark is a bottom dwelling shark largely found on reefs
to a depth of 62m.
Special Features or Habits
 Zebra
Sharks are oviparous (they lay eggs outside of the body).
It lays eggs that are 17cm in length. The eggs are dark coloured
and have tufts of hair attached which serve to anchor them
to the bottom. The young are 20 - 26 cm in length when they
hatch. All sharks receive no parental care and are fully developed
and independent when they are born or hatch. They often occupy
'nursery areas' where food is abundant and predators are not.
Young Zebra Sharks are rarely seen, and these may prefer to
live in deeper waters.
Location or Region Found
The
Zebra Shark is found in coastal waters throughout the tropical
Indo-West Pacific. In Australia they are recorded from the
coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north and
south to the central coast of New South Wales.
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