Shark Week at Mystic Aquarium

Here's something to chew on during Shark Week... FACT or FICTION Sharks don't have bones. FACT! Their skeletons are made of cartilage; just like what gives shape to your nose and ears. There are over 1,000 species of sharks and rays. FACT! And new species are discovered every year! Sharks are dangerous predators. FICTION! Some species feed off of plankton and fish eggs while many other sharks are more curious than aggressive. They were around before the dinosaurs. FACT! Sharks have been around for nearly 400 million years - whoa! Sharks have an endless supply of teeth. FACT! They're constantly shedding and replacing their teeth. Take a close look at our shark's mouths and you'll see several rows of sharp chompers! They are mindless eating machines. FICTION! Sharks can go days, weeks, even months without eating. At Mystic Aquarium, we feed our sharks about twice a week. The number of sharks killed by humans drastically outweighs humans killed by sharks. Sadly, FACT. It's estimated that 100 million sharks are killed by humans each year - and that's just an estimate! Shark finning, entanglements, overfishing and marine debris are just some of the issues leading to a steep decline in populations.

ANIMAL SPOTLIGHT: Watch our Facebook Live to learn more about our sharks and rays. Sand Tiger Shark In spite of their appearance, the sand tiger shark is a docile and non-aggressive elasmobranch (the classification name given to sharks, rays and skates).While they tend to feed solo at night, they have also been known to hunt in groups called 'schools' or 'shoals.' By gulping air from the water's surface and then storing it in their stomach, sand tigers achieve a level of buoyancy that allows them to 'float' underwater while hunting; hovering motionless as they seek out prey. This unique adaptation also makes the sand tiger one of the few species of shark that can breathe without moving.

Sharks are vital to maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Without them patrolling our oceans: 1.    Species of marine animals would over-populate. 2.    Sick and weak animals would depreciate the health of populations. 3.    Various ocean habitats would become polluted with organic waste. How can you become a shark saver? Refuse all shark products, especially shark fin soup Only consume sustainable seafood options Keep your trash out of their home Learn as much as you can about sharks from the experts

Swedish Fish is the Official Candy of Discovery’s Shark Week. Be sure to tune in to Discovery Channel now through Sunday to learn more about this amazing apex species. In the meantime, take this quiz to test the waters and see how well you know sharks!

Mystic Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research. MYSTIC AQUARIUM 55 Coogan Blvd | Mystic, CT 06355 | 860.572.5955