The zebra shark is a large, distinctive shark that lives in shallow coral reef habitats in tropical waters where they can wriggle into narrow crevices and caves in search of food. Its appearance, which changes as the shark reaches maturity, has caused confusion among divers who often mistake it for the leopard shark.
Q. Are zebra sharks dangerous?
Docile and slow-moving, zebra sharks are not dangerous to humans and can be easily approached underwater. However, they have bitten divers who pull on their tails or attempt to ride them. As of 2008 there is one record of an unprovoked attack in the International Shark Attack File, though no injuries resulted.
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Q. Why is it called zebra shark?
Adults are yellow-brown with dark brown spots while the young (smaller than 70 cm (2.2 ft.)) are dark in color with white spots and stripes, fading to a pale ventral surface. The juveniles’ stripes are what give this species its common name of zebra shark.
Q. What zebra sharks eat?
Zebra Shark
- Size. 12 feet (3.65 m)
- Diet. Benthic invertebrates such as snails, shrimp, crabs and sea urchins, as well as small fishes.
- Range. Indian Ocean and West Pacific.
- Habitat. Coral reefs, usually in areas with sandy seafloor.
Q. Are Sharks a threat to humans?
Most sharks are not dangerous to humans — people are not part of their natural diet. Despite their scary reputation, sharks rarely ever attack humans and would much rather feed on fish and marine mammals. Only about a dozen of the more than 300 species of sharks have been involved in attacks on humans.
Q. How heavy is a zebra shark?
Zebra Shark Facts Adults reach a length of about 2 to 3.5 meters (6.5 to 11.5ft) and weigh between 20 and 30 kilograms (44 to 66 pounds). These sharks have a lifespan of 25 to 35 years.
Q. What size are tiger sharks?
One of the largest sharks, the tiger shark commonly reaches a length of 325-425 cm (10-14 ft) and weighs over 385-635 kg (850-1400 lbs). Length at birth varies from 51-76 cm (1-1.5 ft). Males reach sexual maturity at 226-290 cm (7-9 ft), while females become mature at 250-325 cm (8-10 ft) (Compagno et al.
Q. Can sharks be blue?
The blue shark takes its common name from its coloring. Its upper body is blue, with lighter shading along its sides and a white underside. The coloration helps camouflage the shark in the open ocean. It is a slender shark with long pectoral fins, a long conical snout, and large eyes.
