Does anyone have a solid theory regarding the distinct coloration in juvenile Zebra sharks? The juveniles are striped, whereas the adults are spotted. As far as I know, no data is published on their habitat differences explaining color. A yellow-lipped sea krait, Laticauda colubrina is present in much of the S. fasciatum range. Could mimicry of this venomous reptile be a relevant explanation? This is already performed by several octopus species to my knowledge.

Image links:

http://www.fishbase.org/images/species/Stfas_j1.jpg

(S. fasciatum juvenile)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Laticauda_colubrina_%28Wakatobi%29.jpg/490px-Laticauda_colubrina_%28Wakatobi%29.jpg

(L. colubrina)

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