What distinctive visual pattern characterizes adult *Stegostoma tigrinum* cruising shallow Indo-Pacific reefs?
Answer
A spotted pattern.
The zebra shark presents a striking visual transformation throughout its life cycle, creating a visual puzzle for observers. While juveniles exhibit a coloration pattern that suggests a different species identity, the mature adults that cruise the shallow reefs of the Indo-Pacific are distinctly recognizable by their spotted appearance. This change in visible markings highlights a significant ontogenetic shift in appearance, contrasting sharply with the striped juvenile phase mentioned in the description of their lifecycle.
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