Shark, Zebra Shark, High Quality, Hand Painted, Rubber Fish, Realistic, Figure, Model, Replica, Toy, Kids, Educational, Gift, 7 Inches CWG309 B382

This Zebra shark, 7" figure includes hand painted features to give it realistic details that are true to natural anatomy. This figure is considered a high quality replica. Natural Rubber.   The zebra shark is a large, distinctive shark that lives in shallow coral reef habitats in tropical waters where they can wriggle into narrow crevices and caves in search of food. Its appearance, which changes as the shark reaches maturity, has caused confusion among divers who often mistake it for the leopard shark. While the zebra sharks are born dark brown with yellowish stripes, as they reach adulthood, they shed their stripes for small black dots against a tan body, closely resembling the leopard species. Zebra sharks are nocturnal foragers, hunting for small fish, snails, sea urchins, crabs and other small invertebrates that hide out in crevices. Even though they may not look as ferocious as their toothy relatives, the zebra shark€™s body is perfectly adapted for snatching up prey. Barbels, or whisker-like organs at the front of their snouts, help them seek out prey, while a flexible body allows them to wriggle in tight spaces where small fishes are often hiding. They also have small mouths and strong gill muscles to easily suck up prey in one gulp. During daylight, the zebra shark prefers to rest on the ocean floor facing the current so they can efficiently pump water over their gills and breathe while remaining still. If the current is strong enough, this slow-moving shark species has been observed €œsurfing,€ adjusting its fins to remain motionless in open water. During reproduction, male zebra sharks transfer sperm to the female using claspers, or modifications of the pelvic fins, and the female can lay up to four eggs at a time. The egg cases are covered in fine fibers that keep them anchored to the sea floor for about six and a half months while developing. A zebra shark pup may be less than a foot long at birth, but an adult can grow to be almost 12 feet and have a tail that reaches half its full body length. Adult zebra sharks are non-aggressive, and have few predators other than larger shark species that may be lucky enough to catch one in its jaws. Collectible Wildlife Gifts is the market leader in providing high quality, realistic toys of all types! Every one of our items is heavily inspected for quality craftsmanship and authenticity. Our products make great gifts for your family and friends! Additionally, our lifelike animal figurines and plush make for great displays and educational sets. We are happy to serve our wide range of clientele from parents to educators, gift shop owners and many more! Our team works hard to ensure you get a great toy. All products from CWG are checked for quality to ensure you receive the order in perfect condition. From plush sharks to educational animal growths cycle we offer the perfect toy or gift for any occasion. Our products have been ordered by educational groups, aquariums, zoos, and more. Great customer service is guaranteed when you order from Collectible Wildlife Gifts, we want you to love your toy and have a simple ordering process, we are happy to assist with inquiries!