Zebra shark

Biology

The zebra shark is harmless, swims slowly and during the day it is common to find it on the sea floor, with its mouth turned against the current, in order to breathe effortlessly. Its very flexible body and tail permit it to sneak inside narrow cracks and holes, where it searches for prey. The embryos are protected by capsules (eggs) and deposited on the sea floor, where they stay attached until hatching. 

Conservation

The zebra shark is used fresh and dried, for human consumption and also for fishmeal. Its liver is processed for vitamins and its fins are dried for the oriental sharkfin trade. Fishing pressure constitutes a threat.

Curiosities

Juvenile zebra sharks have a light body with black vertical bands, similar to that of a zebra. Only as adults do they acquire the light tone with dark spots, characteristic of the species.