Shark Feeding in the Monterey Bay Habitats Exhibit
Using four-foot-long tongs and wearing SCUBA gear, our aquarists feed the sevengill sharks in the Monterey Bay Habitats exhibit salmon and sardines twice a week. The shark "feeder" stays in one position and waits until a shark swims by before offering food; he or she does not chase a shark to get it to eat. The "feeder" is accompanied by a "fender," whose main job is to prevent crowding around the food station—not only by two or more sharks, but also by other fishes who might get bitten in the process.
This type of feeding method helps the sevengills avoid nose abrasions from bumping against walls or rockwork, lets us monitor the amount of food consumed by each shark, and is exciting for visitors to watch. We also always feed our sharks until they're full, and never let them go hungry. That's why they're unlikely to try and eat other fishes in the exhibit.
