The Deep is home to around 15 shark and ray species, found in a number of different habitats throughout the aquarium. These vary significantly in size; from the bizarre looking, critically endangered Green sawfish (Pristis zijsron), with its tooth-studded rostrum and 3m length; the beautiful, sleek and streamlined, endangered Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhinchos) at 1.5m, and the near threatened, white-spotted, brown-banded Bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) at just 50cm. These can be found in our warmer Endless Oceans and Lagoon of Light habitats, but we are also home to native species of sharks that enjoy the cooler temperatures of the UK coasts!
In our Northern Seas habitat, Bullhuss (Scyliorhinus stellaris) are the largest of the Catshark species, growing up to around 1.3m. It’s smaller cousin, a Small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), recently hatched from an egg case (otherwise known as a mermaid's purse) in our seagrass nursery. Visitors may be able to see this species swimming amongst the rocks and grasses and on the sandy bed in Northern Seas. The egg cases from these species, and those of other native sharks and rays, can often be found washed up on our beaches. You can help identify native species and population diversity by helping with The Shark Trust's Great Eggcase Hunt. This citizen science project has been gathering data for over 20 years, and continues to help broaden the knowledge of these animals and their reproduction.
The waters around Britain are home to a great many more shark species too, some of them resident to the UK and surrounding areas, and others visiting during their migratory travels. At up to 12m long, our largest visiting shark is the endangered Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), using its huge mouth to filter tiny zooplankton from the water. These huge sharks are thought to live for up to 50 years – a fraction of the lifespan of native Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus). These near threatened, 6m sharks are estimated to live to at least 250 years – but may reach over 500 years old! Much faster than both of these relative lumbering giants, the endangered Shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is the fastest of all shark species and can hit speeds of up to 45 miles per hour whilst hunting for food! These are just a few of the 40 species know to be resident in, or visitors of our local seas, of which many are classified by the IUCN Red List as under threat. There has been a 70% decline in populations within the last 50 years, primarily due to overfishing. Less than 45% of shark species are categorised as least concern.
You can help by adding your signature to The Shark Trust's Big Shark Pledge, a campaign aiming to steer international governments to make better, science-based, sustainable decisions on fishing quotas and shark populations.
Written by Rich, Assistant Curator at The Deep.