Swim Over to See Mara, the New Zebra Shark!
These Zebras Lose Their Stripes!
Zebra sharks undergo a striking transformation as they grow. As juveniles, they have dark bodies adorned with yellowish-white stripes. However, as they mature, this pattern changes to small dark spots appearing on a grayish-tan background.
This nocturnal species inhabits shallow coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, where they frequently rest on the sandy seabed. They hunt at night and spend the daytime resting on the ocean floor while pumping water over their gills. Unlike some other shark species, zebra sharks do not need to keep swimming in order to breathe.
The Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and participates in the national SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program for shark and ray species. The zebra shark is part of the SAFE program and will contribute to the preservation of her wild counterparts, and be an instrumental part of inspiring the public to learn more about all shark’s essential roles in our ecosystems. When you visit the Aquarium, don’t miss the chance to witness the stunning zebra shark gracefully gliding through the expansive 300,000-gallon shark tank in the Ocean Explorer habitat.
Bring the Memories Home with You
Find the perfect souvenir! Stop by the Gift Shop for all things sharks, or shop online here.
