Researchers Focus On Sand Shark Propagation

by | Nov 18, 2014 | Conservation, Science, Shark Week, Tanks | 1 comment

animals-SandTigerShark-slide2-webSand Tiger Sharks look fierce, they are the quintessential, stereotypical ‘man-eater shark’ with their jagged, razor sharp teeth protruding out of their mouth. Basically, they are the big-ticket item many aquarium visitors expect to see in exhibits. As such, they are a popular exhibit animal in large public aquarium tanks; there are approximately 200 sand tiger sharks on exhibit in public aquariums and zoos in America. Although they look scary, they are relatively docile sharks that are easy to care for in captivity. However, Sand sharks in captivity do not breed easily, since the environment in captivity does not mimic the seasons and changes in the wild. Sand shark population in the wild is at low levels because of fishing nets and shark fin poaching, and the slow maturing reproduction in the species. Researchers are trying to figure out how they can aid reproduction and get the population of sand sharks up. The research will focus on trying to determine when male and female sharks are most fertile and possibilities for freezing sperm and inseminating female sharks. Zoos and public aquariums have done amazing captive breeding work in years past, I am optimistic that the trend will continue and that the captive birth of a Sand tiger shark will soon be on its way.

  • Francis Yupangco

    Francis is a marine biologist with an MBA and over 20 years of professional aquarium experience. Francis is the former Aquatic Development Manager at Hagen USA., makers of Fluval brand aquarium products. He co-stars on Nat Geo WILD's reality TV series Fish Tank Kings where he is the resident "Fish Geek" and was Director of Marketing at Living Color Aquariums. He is an avid explorer having visited over 45 countries and lived in 7. At 17, he was among the youngest aquarists ever hired by the Vancouver Aquarium, where he worked for 7 years. His aquatic biology experience ranges from larval fish rearing to the design, construction and operational management of renowned public aquariums around the world. Francis is currently head of marketing at the world's largest vertically integrated fish farming company.

1 Comment

  1. Cu4552

    I think the researchers forgot to remove the hook from the sharks mouth.

    Reply

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