Zebra sharksStegostomatidae

Zebra sharks (Stegostomatidae) are distinctively shaped sharks with a cylindrical body and a very long, low caudal fin that extends for nearly half their total length. Adults can reach 2.5 m (8.2 ft) and typically display a pattern of dark spots on a pale background, marked by five prominent longitudinal ridges along their back and sides. Juveniles, under 50-90 cm (20-35 in) long, are strikingly different, showing light vertical stripes on a dark brown to black background and lacking these ridges, a pattern that gives the group its common name.

These sharks inhabit sheltered coral reefs, lagoons, and sandy flats throughout the 🌊 Red Sea, occurring from shallow waters down to depths of 62 m (203 ft). They feed primarily on benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans and molluscs, alongside small bony fish. Primarily nocturnal, Zebra sharks spend daylight hours resting motionless on sandy substrates or within reef caves, often observed propped up on their stout pectoral fins.