Zebra sharks

Stegostomatidae

The zebra shark, scientifically known as Stegostoma fasciatum, is a remarkable carpet shark that holds the distinction of being the sole member of the family Stegostomatidae. Its presence spans across the tropical Indo-Pacific, exhibiting a preference for coral reefs and sandy flats, venturing to depths of up to 62 m (203 ft).

Distinguished by its unique physical features, adult zebra sharks boast a cylindrical body adorned with five longitudinal ridges. Additionally, their low caudal fin encompasses nearly half of their total length. Typically, these sharks display a captivating pattern of dark spots on a pale background.

However, the appearance of young zebra sharks under 50–90 cm (20–35 in) long remarkably differs from that of their adult counterparts. During their early stages of development, they possess a contrasting pattern characterized by light vertical stripes on a brown background, devoid of the previously mentioned ridges.

Ultimately, the zebra shark is capable of reaching a length of 2.5 m (8.2 ft), making its presence truly impressive.