To which distinct family, Stegostomatidae, does the zebra shark belong?

It is distinct from ground sharks of the family Carcharhinidae.

Although the common name might suggest a close taxonomic relationship due to superficial striping similarity, the zebra shark is classified uniquely within the animal kingdom. It belongs specifically to its own distinct family, *Stegostomatidae*. This placement separates it notably from other common shark groups. Crucially, it is distinguished from the ground sharks, which fall under the family Carcharhinidae. This unique classification is supported by the combination of its highly specialized features, such as its extremely elongated heterocercal tail and the mouth structure adapted for suction feeding on bottom-dwelling, armored prey, solidifying its specialized ecological niche.