![]() ![]() The female releases one to four large dark brown or purplish-black egg cases that are about 17 cm (6.7 in) long and 5 cm (2 in) in diameter. Zebra sharks reach maturity when the males are 1.5-1.8 m (5-6 ft) and the females 1.7 m (5.6 ft) in length. ![]() Their flattened teeth with three raised points (cusps) and short jaws work together to grip, crush, and pulverize shelled invertebrates. Their preferred prey is snails and bivalves but they also eat crabs, shrimps, and small bony fishes. These sharks are from 2-3.5 m (5.5 to 11.5 ft) in length with an average of 2.6 m (9 ft). Their body ridges start to form and their bars fade, becoming black dots or open dark circles on a yellow to cream or light gray background, the adult coloration. At this time they begin to develop their adult features. They change coloration when they are 50 to 70 cm (20 to 27 in) in length. Juveniles are dark brown or blackish with narrow pale yellow or white vertical bars and/or spots. The large pectoral fins are very rounded. There are two dorsal fins immediately adjacent to each other with the first much larger than the second. It has a deep terminal notch but the lower lobe is only slightly notched. ![]() The caudal fin is almost as long as the body. A ‘face’ is formed on the ventral side of the head by the blunt snout, prominent nares, a small transverse mouth, and short barbels at the front of the snout. Prominent longitudinal ridges run down their dorsal surface and on the flanks. Physical CharacteristicsĪdults have a cylindrical body with a broad head and small mouth. Juvenile zebra sharks inhabit deeper waters than adults seeking depths of 50 m (165 ft) to hide from predators. There is an unconfirmed report of a zebra shark living in fresh water in the Philippines. HabitatĪdult zebra sharks prefer inshore marine or brackish waters with depths from intertidal to 30 m (99 ft) where there are reefs and sandy, rubble, or coral bottoms. Indo-west Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to New Caledonia, north to southern Japan, south to coast of western Australia, around tropical north and south to central coast of New South Wales. The Aquarium has zebra sharks on view in the Shark Lagoon and Tropical Reef exhibits. ![]() Over the course of this study, the researchers helped create the Wildbook for Leopard Sharks, a global online database that allows scuba divers to submit their photos to support research around the world.Ĭlick here to read the full study published in the journal Ocean and Coastal Management.CLIMATE CHANGE: Not Applicable At the Aquarium Identification photos contributed by scuba divers allowed researchers to increase the scope of data capture. Zebra sharks have unique spot patterns that can be used to identify individuals and track them over time. Recreational scuba divers also assisted in data collection. According to co-author Anna Flam, an MMF scientist, “this is one of the world’s largest identified populations of zebra sharks and we should protect them, otherwise, we could see them disappear, as has happened in parts of Southeast Asia.” While zebra sharks are listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, they lack formal protection in Mozambique, and the majority of the suitable zebra shark habitat identified in this study remains unprotected. The high frequency of both male and female adult sharks in a small area indicates a breeding area, which is a prime habitat for protection. 38% of sharks were seen in multiple years, indicating an affinity for the area. Photos taken by scientists and recreational scuba divers between 20 identified 90 individual sharks of both sexes. The inclusion of local knowledge also provides an opportunity to enrich our understanding of social-ecological systems, engage local communities, and make environmental decisions that are more inclusive," continues Pottie. “This approach could be applied in other regions to highlight areas of interest, prioritize research activities, and inform conservation actions. The authors hope to inspire other researchers working in data-deficient locations. Fisher surveys can collect sightings information at a wider spatial scale than underwater surveys, yet dive surveys are capable of providing more in-depth information on the movement and behavior of individuals.” When used in combination, fishers’ observations and dive surveys can complement each other. Lead author, Saoirse Pottie explains, "this study adds credibility to using a multi-faceted approach to collect baseline data for marine species. ![]()
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