![]() That’s because, in that particular respect, this marvel of Nature represents a roughly average-sized species of its kind. It does not do so, however, due to sheer size. The Zebra Shark certainly impresses its fair share of those who encounter the creature in its native habitat. Related Articles Horn Shark Spiny Dogfish Epaulette Shark Source: ĬC License: Zebra Shark Physical Description Its greatest potential threat, though, likely comes in the form of ongoing climate change. Habitat loss poses an increasing threat, as man intrudes into its domain, of course. The impressive Zebra Shark nevertheless faces other threats to its existnce, however.It’s mainly sought for its meat, liver oil, and fins. This holds true because the natural wonder remains actively sought after across most of its range. Presently, the leading culprit for its decline in population continues to be commercial fishing practices.The IUCN, therefore, presently lists it as Endangered on its Red List. Moreover, this regrettable trend seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its known range. Unfortunately, the population of this amazing creature appears to be declining.He received the accreditation posthumously, however, since the man himself died several years earlier. The first known official recording of it as a separate and distinct species took place in 1758, due to the efforts of the Dutch zoologist, Albertus Seba. ![]() That’s because its formal scientific name’s Stegostoma tigrinum. That term, however, as with many such creatures, remains somewhat hard to pronounce. ![]() Professionals, such as researchers, meanwhile, typically refer to the creature by its scientific name.For the moment, the remarkable sea-dwelling species has no other generally accepted common name. In a strange turn of events, this fascinating ocean fish most frequently goes by the unusual, as well as deceptive, common name of the Zebra Shark.They use their flexible bodies to wriggle into tight crevasses where their favorite prey is often hiding. During the day, they are as sluggish as teenagers getting ready for school and are often found resting on the sea bottom.ģ) Barbels - slender sensory organs that look a little like a cat’s whiskers located at the front of their snouts - help them seek out prey. At night, they actively hunt for molluscs, crustaceans and small bony fishes inside holes and crevices in the reef. (To make it even more confusing, sometimes zebra shark is used as the common name for the tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier.)Ģ) Zebra sharks are nocturnal. As they reach adulthood, zebra sharks’ stripes are replaced by small black dots against a tan body. So we wanted to set the record straight, and present some fun facts about zebra sharks.ġ) Zebra sharks are born dark brown with yellowish stripes. We found that out when we mistakenly showed images of Stegostoma fasciatum in a story about a mortality event involving Triakis semifasciata in San Francisco Bay. The zebra shark ( Stegostoma fasciatum) is sometimes called the leopard shark, the common name for Triakis semifasciata. Will the real zebra shark please stand up (or swim by)?
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