How does the coloration pattern of Stegostoma fasciatum change from juvenile to adult?

Stripes fragment and dissolve into scattered dark spots on a lighter body.

The visual impression of the zebra shark undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis throughout its life. Juvenile individuals possess a dark background color, which can be dark blue, brown, or black, marked distinctly with prominent, light-colored stripes running longitudinally along the body. As the shark matures into its adult phase, this distinctive livery undergoes significant transformation. The initial stripes begin to fragment, break apart, and eventually dissipate entirely. This results in the adult form possessing scattered dark spots distributed across a significantly lighter body surface, often appearing yellowish-brown or greyish. This transition is so profound that the adult often bears little resemblance to its younger counterpart.