Why is the zebra shark commonly named for a zebra in its juvenile stage?
Answer
Distinctive dark stripes on a lighter background
The common name 'zebra shark' is directly derived from the appearance of the young individuals. Juveniles exhibit a highly contrasting pattern consisting of dark, horizontal stripes set against a lighter-colored base. This striking visual feature provides effective disruptive camouflage, helping the young sharks hide among the vertical structures found in shallower reef environments and seagrass beds where they spend their initial years seeking refuge from larger predators. This stripe pattern is temporary, marking the early life stage before the shark transitions to its adult coloration.
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