Sharks fascinate people, and we use their interest to promote a conservation message about this important ocean species.
Scalloped hammerheads
are some of the more unusual sharks in our Outer Bay exhibit. The enlarged head is believed to help it track its prey, possibly by improving sensory perception.
Oceanic Whitetip Shark
October 2000
The Aquarium becomes the only institution in the world to display an oceanic whitetip shark, one of the ocean's most efficient and wide-ranging predators. Aggressive and unpredictable, whitetips are abundant in the open waters far from shore. Many are snared as bycatch, and the species could be in danger from increased fishing pressures.
Bringing New Animals to the Public
The
Outer Bay exhibit contains the largest and most diverse open-ocean community found at any aquarium in the world. In addition to the
oceanic whitetip shark, in 2000 we introduce luminous mahi-mahi (dolphinfish), pelagic stingrays, bluefin tuna and pilotfish to the Outer Bay exhibit. Adding different species to our exhibits lets us better portray ocean habitats. Visitors of all ages discover something new each time they come to the Aquarium. New species spark visitors' interest in the animals' ocean homes and prompt them to learn more about what they see.
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