They have been known to allow divers to approach and even interact with them, showcasing their curious and non-aggressive nature. Zebra Sharks are considered docile and pose little to no threat to humans. Their diet consists of various invertebrates, such as crabs, shrimp, and mollusks, as well as small fish. They are generally considered solitary animals but are occasionally seen in small groups. Zebra Sharks are primarily nocturnal creatures, spending their days resting on the ocean floor and becoming more active during the night. The change in appearance helps them blend in with their coral reef surroundings, providing them with effective camouflage. ![]() As they mature, their appearance changes dramatically, with their coloration shifting to a light brown or yellowish hue, and their pattern transforming into a series of dark spots. Juvenile Zebra Sharks have dark bodies covered in white, zebra-like stripes. The name "Zebra Shark" stems from their unique coloration and pattern, most prominent during their juvenile stage. The Zebra Shark's tail is long and flexible, almost equal to the length of the rest of their body, which aids them in navigating the complex coral reef environments. They have five gill slits on each side and two dorsal fins, with the first dorsal fin being larger than the second. Their snout is short and rounded, while their mouth, featuring sharp, pointy teeth, is located on the underside of their head. The Zebra Shark's body shape is elongated and slightly flattened, with a cylindrical cross-section. Adult individuals grow to an average length of 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.6 meters) and can weigh between 44 to 66 pounds (20 to 30 kilograms). Zebra Sharks are relatively moderate in size compared to other shark species. They are known for their unique appearance and nocturnal lifestyle, setting them apart from many other shark species. Zebra Sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum) belong to the Stegostomatidae family, a group of carpet sharks within the order Orectolobiformes. Join us as we explore the captivating world of these extraordinary marine creatures. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the Zebra Shark's fish family, size, shape, features, coloration, and social behavior. Often found in the shallow waters of coral reefs, these fascinating creatures exhibit a range of unique characteristics. Why not take out a subscription to Practical Fishkeeping magazine? See our latest subscription offer.ĭon't forget that PFK is now available to download on the iPad/iPhone.Zebra Sharks, with their striking patterns and intriguing behavior, have captured the interest of marine enthusiasts around the world. If all goes well she's likely to be transferred to another aquarium at a later date so she can be paired with an unrelated male Zebra shark and one day hopefully produce some eggs of her own. The young shark will remain at The Deep while her growth rates are closely monitored. The Deep currently holds the European studbook for Zebra sharks, which helps co-ordinate all the breeding efforts for this species across Europe, sharing vital knowledge on their reproductive biology. When Zebra sharks hatch they have black and white stripes, which develop into more of a leopard pattern later in life, giving them their other name of Leopard shark. We have taken advice from colleagues in America on feeding and growth rates, so we are able to provide the best possible care." "Although these first few months are a delicate time, she is enjoying feeding on prawns and mussels. Later on in her development, our vet and science officer used an ultrasound to take a better look inside the egg and was able to measure the size of the baby shark's heart which was 6mm in diameter - the size of a pea. Kathy Duke, Curator at The Deep said: "We used a technique called 'candling', which is where you shine a light through the egg casing under water and we were absolutely delighted to see a shark embryo in there. The gestation period for the Zebra shark is about six months in the egg, so it was a bit of a waiting game for excited staff at the aquarium. These practice eggs do not contain a yolk and are the first signs that a female shark is maturing.Īfter a few months an egg containing a yolk was finally produced and this was transferred to a holding tank in The Deep's quarantine area. ![]() ![]() Zebra sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum) take a long time to mature, so staff at The Deep were delighted when mating behaviour and "practice eggs" were seen in the aquarium's Endless Oceans display. She is growing steadily and is now 25cm/10" long. The female shark, which hatched out last Monday, weighed in at 72 grams and measured 23cm/9" in length. The Deep aquarium in Hull is celebrating the birth of its first baby Zebra shark.
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