Zebra Shark
(Stegostoma fasciatum)
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Animal Type
Sharks and Rays
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Exhibits
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Range
Indian Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Overview
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.
A Note From the Caretaker
One of the zebra sharks at the National Aquarium, Zoe, is partially blind, so we trained her to respond to sounds. We can call her to a station when we feed her.
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Quick Facts
Learn more about zebra sharks! Did you know that zebra sharks are nocturnal? They hunt at night.
Zebra sharks are found in the western Pacific Ocean from Japan to Australia, as well as the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.
Zebra sharks feed mainly on mollusks and crustaceans as well as small fish. This shark’s flexible body allows it to squirm into narrow crevices and reef channels in search of food.
The maximum reported size of a zebra shark is nearly 12 feet, though lengths of less than 7.5 feet are more common.
Conservation alert! The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species lists the zebra shark as endangered.
With the exception of some other large shark species, few predators could take on an adult zebra shark. As with other sharks, humans are the biggest threat to zebra sharks. Their meat is sold fresh and salt-dried and is used in fishmeal. Their livers are processed for vitamins, and fins are dried for the shark-fin trade.
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Our online shop has the perfect gift for the shark-lover in your life. Our original designs feature the iconic blacktip reef shark, sandbar sharks and more. Sales from the gift shop support the Aquarium's conservation and animal welfare efforts.
Explore Similar Animals
The National Aquarium—and the aquatic world—is full of amazing animals like this one.
Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
These sharks can grow up to 6 feet long.
Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci)
The horn shark gets its name from the short venomous "horn" in front of each of its dorsal fins.
Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
The nurse shark is light yellowish-brown to dark brown, and some have small dark spots.
Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus)
This shark is easily recognized by its pointed snout and mouthful of narrow, pointed teeth, which are always visible.
Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)
These sharks have a large first dorsal fin, large pectoral fins and a mid-dorsal ridge.