- SEA LIFE, Tropical Ocean Display
Sharks have lived in our oceans for more than 420 million years... that makes them older than Dinosaurs!
Their brains have evolved to become more intelligent and devoted to their senses – mainly their ability to smell. There are over 500 species of shark in our oceans and you’ll meet different species when you explore our Ocean Tunnel!
- SEA LIFE Trust is actively working with the Shark Trust to campaign against unsustainable shark fishing in EU waters. SEA LIFE is also proud to be coordinating the European Black Tip Reef Shark breeding programme.
Black Tip Reef Shark
We love our Black Tip Reef Sharks, they’re jaw-some! And with the prominent black markings on their fins, they are easy to spot.
Found on the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Blacktip Reef Sharks prefer shallow, inshore waters.
These sharks are viviparous
- They give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. In the first few years of their life young Black Tip Reef Sharks often fall prey to larger fish such as groupers, Grey Reef Sharks, Tiger Sharks or even bigger Blacktip Reef Sharks. Juvenile Black Tips often use mangroves as a nursery ground; Hiding amongst the tightly woven roots where bigger Sharks can't reach them
- The Blacktip Reef Shark’s diet is composed primarily of small teleost fishes, including mullet, groupers, grunters, jacks, mojarras, wrasses, surgeonfish, and smelt-whitings
Zebra Shark
Prepare to be amazed as you come face-to-fin with our incredible juvenile Zebra Shark. These amazing creatures are the sole member of the Stegostomatidae family! Eventually, she will reach 12ft in length, half of which will be her tail!
Adopt a Shark
Sharks are the most misunderstood creatures in the Ocean. Far from being predators, they face extinction from being preyed upon by humans. Each year over 70 million sharks die needlessly due to Shark Finning. You can help conserve these amazing creatures by picking up a Shark Adoption on site and contributing towards their conservation.
