The zebra shark is found primarily in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean and west-Pacific region near coral reefs. Slow-moving and regarded as fairly harmless to humans, it feeds on invertebrates and small fish. When young, the zebra shark is dark with yellowish bars but as an adult, it becomes tan in color with dark, leopard-like spots.

While they are only eight to ten inches in length when they hatch, zebra sharks can grow to over 11 feet (335 cm), with its whip-like tail making up nearly half its total length. Its body is cylindrical and thick, with prominent ridges along the flanks. Its head is broad and conical with a very rounded snout. It also has fleshy barbels at the corners of its mouth. Unlike other sharks species, the zebra shark has a spiracle behind its eye, which allows it to rest motionless on the bottom and still circulate water over its gills.

Watch for the zebra sharks swimming along the sandy bottom of the Ocean Voyager exhibit.

• The name The zebra shark’s name is derived from the striped color pattern it has when it’s young, which resembles a zebra.
• The scales, called denticles, are tooth-like in structure and are firmly embedded in the skin.
• The zebra shark is nocturnal, hunting for food at night and resting on the ocean bottom during the day.
• It has the ability to fit into small crevices and areas as it searches for food.
• At birth, the zebra shark is between eight and ten inches (20-26 cm) in length.

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