Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum)
Gentle and patient, the zebra shark rests on the seafloor where coral meets sand. By day it lies still, its spotted body perfectly patterned for quiet camouflage; by night it glides through reef passages with slow, measured grace.
Scientific Snapshot
Scientific Name: Stegostoma tigrinum
Common Names: Zebra shark, leopard shark (in some regions)
Average Size: Typically 2.5 meters (8 feet)
Habitat: Shallow coral reefs, sandy flats, and lagoons in tropical waters
Diet: Mollusks, crustaceans, and small reef fish
Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List)
Range: Indo-Pacific region — from the Red Sea to northern Australia and the western Pacific
From the Field
The story…