Welcome, Zebra Shark Pups

Zebra shark pups have hatched at the Georgia Aquarium! These are the first of several viable egg cases to hatch since a female zebra shark laid them in the Ocean Voyager exhibit in late 2006. The new pups are in good health and are currently in the aquaculture laboratory, where biologists can easily monitor and track their progression. Watch the new pups on our webcam and learn where this creature gets its name!

You can see the zebra shark pups in person at the Georgia Aquarium on behind-the-scenes tours. Some education groups on the Learning Loop will also get a chance to view our new additions.

Questions
(click the question to display the answer)

Why is it called a zebra shark?

How do zebra sharks reproduce?

Can I see the zebra shark pups?

Answer

The name zebra shark is derived from the fact that young zebra sharks are dark colored with several yellowish bars on its body. This coloration camouflages the pup, allowing it to blend into its environment. However, as an adult, the zebra shark’s body becomes tan with dark spots, allowing it to blend in with the sandy ocean bottoms on which it frequently rests.

To reproduce, male sharks use claspers (modifications of the pelvic fins) to transfer sperm into the female’s reproductive tract. Zebra sharks are oviparous, which means the pups or baby sharks develop outside of the body.

The female lays fertilized eggs that are protected by leathery egg cases with hairy-looking fibers all over the outside, which helps to attach the egg case to corals or seagrass that keep it from floating away. The egg cases are a purple/brown color and can be about eight inches long.

Zebra sharks will lay about four eggs at a time. The eggs are not guarded by either parent and will hatch later if they are not eaten by predators. Depending on the water temperature, zebra shark pups will hatch after approximately 4 to 7 months.

Yes, you can! Visit the Georgia Aquarium and take a behind-the-scenes tour. You will see the zebra shark pups, as well as the top of the Tropical Diver exhibit, and you can view the whale sharks from above the 6.2 million gallon Ocean Voyager exhibit. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Fun Facts

• The zebra shark is found in the tropical Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean at depths of about 5 to 30 meters.
• It feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish that it sucks out of the sand at night.
• At birth, the shark is about 8-10 inches. In adulthood, it can grow to 11.5 feet, with its tail making up roughly half its length.
• The zebra shark is the only member of its Family (Stegostomatidae).
• The zebra shark is often confused with the leopard shark, a smaller, cold water shark.