Zebra Shark (Stegostoma fasciatum)

Zebra Shark — Stegostoma fasciatum

Spotted giant with ocean grace

The Zebra Shark is a true marine icon — a slow-moving, bottom-cruising shark known for its dramatic transformation from bold juvenile striping to adult leopard-like spotting. As juveniles, they display dark bodies with bright white stripes. With age, those stripes fade into a pale tan or sandy base covered in distinct dark spots, giving the species its well-known adult appearance.

Native to warm Indo-Pacific coral reef systems, the Zebra Shark is not a fast, open-water predator. Instead, it glides along the ocean floor with smooth, deliberate movements, using its muscular body and elongated tail to maneuver effortlessly. Its small barbels and downward-facing mouth are adapted for hunting crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish along sandy bottoms.

Despite its calm demeanor, this is a massive species, reaching 8–10+ feet in length. It is strictly suited for public aquariums, extremely large private marine systems, or professional facilities. It is not appropriate for standard home aquariums.

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 10,000+ gallons (public aquarium scale recommended)

• Tank Length: 20+ feet of uninterrupted swimming space

• Substrate: Fine marine sand

• Flow: Moderate marine circulation

• Décor: Open bottom areas with rock structures along edges

• Lighting: Moderate reef-style lighting

• Filtration: Industrial marine life-support systems required

Tank Mates

Best housed with large, non-aggressive marine species:

• Large reef-safe fish

• Rays (system dependent)

• Other compatible large sharks (in very large systems)

Avoid aggressive fish and species that may nip fins.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: As low as possible

• Water Quality: Extremely stable, pristine marine conditions required

Diet

Carnivorous:

• Marine fish

• Squid

• Shrimp

• Clams and crustaceans