The zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum or Stegostoma fasciatum) is a distinctive marine species. Young zebra sharks have light vertical stripes on a dark background, which transition to dark spots on a pale body as they mature. This change often leads to their misidentification as leopard sharks.
Geographic Range
Zebra sharks are widely distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting warm temperate waters. Their range extends from South Africa and the Red Sea, across to India and Southeast Asia, encompassing Indonesia, the Philippines, and Palau. They are found northward to Taiwan and Japan, and eastward to New Caledonia and Tonga, reaching as far south as northern Australia. Genetic analysis indicates two distinct subpopulations: one in the Indian Ocean-Southeast Asian region and another in Eastern Indonesia-Oceania, which includes Australia.
Preferred Underwater Environments
Zebra sharks prefer shallow, coastal marine environments. They are found in coral reefs, sandy flats, and rocky bottoms. These sharks inhabit depths from the intertidal zone down to 90 meters. Juveniles may inhabit deeper waters than adults.
Factors Influencing Habitat Choice
Zebra sharks choose habitats for essential resources. These environments provide abundant food sources, including mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish, which they hunt at night. Coral reefs and rocky areas offer shelter, allowing sharks to rest during daylight hours. These shallow, sheltered areas also serve as suitable breeding grounds where females anchor their large egg capsules to underwater structures. Zebra sharks prefer warm waters, thriving in temperatures of 24 to 29 degrees Celsius.
Habitat-Related Behaviors and Conservation
Zebra sharks exhibit behaviors tied to their habitats, such as nocturnal foraging. During the day, they rest motionless on the seafloor, sometimes propping themselves on their pectoral fins and facing into the current to facilitate breathing. Their flexible bodies allow them to navigate narrow crevices and reef channels in search of prey.
The health of these habitats is essential for the zebra shark’s survival, but they face threats. Habitat degradation, from coral reef destruction and coastal development, directly impacts their living spaces. Overfishing and accidental bycatch also pose risks to their populations. Globally, the zebra shark is classified as Endangered, although the Australian population is considered of Least Concern due to more effective conservation measures.