How to Identify Zebra Shark

To identify Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Juveniles exhibit dark brown to black bodies with prominent yellow or white transverse stripes and spots. As they mature, the dark background lightens to a yellowish-brown, and the stripes break up into distinct dark spots, giving rise to the 'leopard shark' common name for adults. The underside is pale white.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Five prominent longitudinal ridges along the body in adults, Very long, whip-like caudal fin, almost as long as the rest of the body, Small mouth positioned ventrally, Small barbels on the snout

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first is larger and located well behind the pectoral fins, the second is smaller and positioned further back.

Tail fin

Extremely long, whip-like caudal fin with a pronounced lower lobe and a subterminal notch near the tip of the upper lobe.

Pectoral fin

Broad and rounded pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin present, located close to the caudal fin. Pelvic fins are also present.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Pattern

   Juveniles have dark and light stripes (zebra pattern), while adults have dark spots on a lighter background (leopard pattern). This ontogenetic color change is a key identifier.

2. 2

   Caudal Fin

   The exceptionally long, whip-like tail, almost equal to the body length, is a definitive characteristic.

3. 3

   Ridges

   Adults possess five distinct longitudinal ridges running along their body, which are absent in juveniles and most other shark species.

4. 4

   Barbels

   Small sensory barbels are present on the snout, aiding in foraging on the seabed.

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