Species page
Zebra Shark
Slow inshore shark famous for dramatic color changes with age.
Stegostoma tigrinum
Endangered
Overview
The zebra shark changes its look as it grows, shifting from juvenile stripes to adult spots. In PocketShark, that pattern change is the key memory aid: same species, very different wardrobe. Adults are long-bodied with a low rear dorsal profile and a striking pattern of dark spots, while juveniles are boldly striped, creating one of the most dramatic age-related pattern shifts among sharks. The zebra shark is an Indo-West Pacific species associated with tropical reef regions from the western Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.
It uses shallow coral reefs, sandy lagoon bottoms, and nearby channels, often resting on the bottom by day.
A charismatic reef shark with notable juvenile-to-adult coloration shift.
Why it matters: Juveniles are striped while adults are spotted, which is why the common name can feel visually backwards.
Common nameZebra Shark
Scientific nameStegostoma tigrinum
FamilyStegostomatidae
OrderOrectolobiformes
Max length3.5 m
Depth range0 to 90 meters
ConservationEndangered
RegionIndo-West Pacific and Persian Gulf
DietMollusks, small fish, crustaceans, and occasional sea snakes
HabitatTropical inshore shelves and coral, sand, or rubble bottoms
Why it stands outOntogenetic color shift from bands to spotted adult pattern
What this shark is
Adults are long-bodied with a low rear dorsal profile and a striking pattern of dark spots, while juveniles are boldly striped, creating one of the most dramatic age-related pattern shifts among sharks.
Where it lives
The zebra shark is an Indo-West Pacific species associated with tropical reef regions from the western Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.
It uses shallow coral reefs, sandy lagoon bottoms, and nearby channels, often resting on the bottom by day.
How it differs from similar sharks
Ontogenetic color shift from bands to spotted adult pattern
Compare it against Nurse Shark and Spotted Wobbegong.
Why it is notable
It is a low-risk species for divers and swimmers. Coastal habitat change, collection, and fishing matter more than direct conflict.
Species-level taxonomy was verified from Sharkipedia's current species list and taxonomy workbook. In this pass, the narrative fields are cautious family-level placeholders synthesized from broad shark references, chiefly the FAO Sharks of the World catalogue, because a stronger multi-source species-level synthesis was not assembled here without risking invented detail. Replace this with a direct species-level synthesis before publication in the app.
Related shark pages
These links are meant to help readers continue through related species, not force extra clicks.
Nurse Shark
Bottom-dwelling shark with a slow, steady pace.
3.2 m maxNear Threatened
Spotted Wobbegong
Camouflaged reef carpet shark with powerful nocturnal foraging.
3.2 m maxLeast Concern