Meet the National Marine Aquarium’s new walking sharks!

The NMA is thrilled to announce the arrival of two Epaulette Sharks, who have found a new home in the 650k litre Great Barrier Reef habitat.

These sharks, one female and one male, were rehomed from a space which is no longer going to provide the highest welfare care for them as they grow. The pair have been carefully transported by our team to Plymouth, as releasing them into the wild would not be an option.

Emma Whittle, Assistant Curator at the Ocean Conservation Trust, has said: “The animal husbandry team and I are delighted for these beautiful pair to be in our care. They have been closely monitored during a brief quarantine period and we’re happy with
how they’ve settled in.

Belonging to the carpet shark family, Epaulette Sharks, who are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, have a short rounded snout, long tail, and muscular pectoral fins. They are known for their unusual ability to walk – often seen using their pectoral fins to
‘stroll’ along the seabed, over corals, and even on land during low tide.

The species are native to tropical regions through the western Pacific Ocean, especially in shallow coral reefs. We’re positive that they’ll feel right at home in their new habitat surrounded by an abundance of coral, rays and tropical fish.

Emma continues to say “At the OCT we champion the highest animal welfare, and know they will love their new home, our Great Barrier Reef habitat, where they will be fantastic ambassadors for the Ocean.”

NMA visitors will have the exciting opportunity to witness these interesting animals up close as they get settled into their new forever home. As a UK conservation charity, we know that connecting people to the Ocean helps to drive positive Ocean behaviours.

Aquariums are a fun and important place, reducing accessibility barriers for all, are a key tool for enriching the curriculum across all key stages and provides additional opportunities for high level research and further education.

Tickets for the National Marine Aquarium can be purchased over on the NMA website.

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