What is the black and white striped predator that sharks stay away from?

Question

I'm mostly wondering because I was wanting to make a bathing suit that mimiked this predator. I need to know how big the stripes are and if I should make them vertical or horizontal.

"Black and White stripes mimic a poisoness predator that sharks are very likely to not get near. If you are boogie-boarding or surfing paint these patterns on for extra security. Surf pro Bethany Hammilton has this pattern and her confidence is greatly improved."

Thanks. :)

Answer 1

I'm not aware of anything with black and white *stripes* that sharks normally would avoid on principle, but killer whales probably intimidate most sharks.  They have black and white blotches.  They're not venomous, either.

On that principle, of course, sharks would avoid any Guernsey cattle that managed to swim out to sea.

EDIT:  Sharks do not avoid sea kraits - this is an urban myth.  In fact, many sharks will eat kraits and sea snakes:

http://www.mba.ac.uk/jmba/pdf/5970.pdf

The best single source of information on shark attacks (and their prevention) is the Shark Attack File at the University of Florida:

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Sharks/ISA...

Their page has a section on clothing, and it says nothing about black-and-white patterns dissuading sharks.  In fact, it points out that sharks have very good contrast-discernment in their eyesight, meaning they might actually be attracted to black-and-white patterns in some cases.

Answer 2

Sea Krait.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laticauda

These snakes contain some of the most toxic venom in the world, even sharks avoid them. I watched a program about sharks where they tested various patterns on wet suits, and the black and white stripes of the sea krait were most effective.