National Aquarium: Zebra Shark (Stegostoma fasciatum)

Learn more about zebra sharks!

Did you know that zebra sharks are nocturnal? They hunt at night.

These zebras lose their stripes! As juveniles, zebra sharks have dark bodies with yellowish stripes. As they mature, the pattern changes to small dark spots on a grayish-tan background. Because of this, zebra sharks are often mistakenly referred to as leopard sharks.

Two more features distinguish the zebra shark: the prominent ridges running the length of the body, and the impressive tail, which is nearly as long as the body itself.


Science Topics
Zoology
Animals
Sharks & Rays
K-6
Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade

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