2011-06-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

SHARKS AND RAYS

Male sharks and rays have two claspers on the underside of their bodies. Unlike bony fish, fertilization in sharks and rays is internal. In most shark species, the female lays eggs which are encased in a leathery shell. During mating, the male on some of the female and you may see bite marks on some of the sharks in the Oceanarium.

GREY NURSE SHARK (Carcharius Taurus)

If you look at the Grey Nurse sharks at the Sydney Aquarium, it is easy to understand why they were once considered to man-eaters. They certainly look fearsome! However, despite their looks, they are not aggressive to humans and will only attack if provoked. Very few species of shark are protected but in New South Wales, the Grey Nurse shark has been protected since 1984. This was in response to the huge decrease in shark numbers as a result of spear fishing in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Fines of up to $10,000 can be imposed for killing a Grey Nurse shark.

LEOPARD SHARK (Stegastoma fasciatum)

The Leopard shark has a very distinctive yellowish brown body covered in many dark brown spots and a very long caudal (tail) fin. The Leopard shark, unlike most sharks, lays large dark brown or purplish black egg cases. It mainly eats mollusks and is not considered dangerous. Juveniles are called Zebra sharks as they are dark with bars spots.

SMOOTH STINGRAY (Dasyatis brevicaudata)

This species, the largest of all stingrays, may weigh more that 350kgs. Adults are commonly found off beaches and in lower estuaries of southern Australia during summer and autumn. This ray, which will frequently raise its tail above its back in a scorpion like fashion when approached is normally inquisitive rather than aggressive. The stinging spine is large and sharp and is capable of inflicting a severe or potentially fatal wound.

FIDDLER RAY (Trygonorrhina fasciata)

This large shovelnose ray is readily recognized by the scattering of white spots over its brown body. It feeds on crustaceans especially young sand crabs found on sandy banks.

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Sharks