What visual characteristic defines the appearance of young zebra sharks?
Answer
Prominent, light-colored stripes on a dark background.
The initial visual identity of the zebra shark is strongly associated with its juvenile stage, which earns it its common name. Young zebra sharks present a striking pattern consisting of a dark background—which can manifest as dark blue, brown, or black hues—which is then ornamented with distinct, prominent, light-colored stripes. These stripes run longitudinally down the entire length of the shark's body. This livery is what initially captures the attention of divers and researchers, making the juvenile stage visually distinct from the adult phase where the markings morph into spots.
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