Zebra Shark
Stegostoma tigrinum
Sighting evidence at Kabira Bay, Ishigaki Island
Photo: Luis P. B. · CC BY-NC
Zebra sharks (locally called leopard sharks in their adult patterning) rest motionless on the sandy floor of Kabira Bay, relying on buccal pumping to breathe without moving their bodies. Adults reach 2.5 metres and are completely harmless to divers, often remaining stationary even when approached within arm's length. They feed on molluscs and crustaceans at night, and the sheltered bay provides ideal conditions for their benthic lifestyle.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Zebra Shark is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.