LIVE SHARK WEBCAM AT LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM

More Info: The shark exhibit at Long Island Aquarium is cleaned on a regular basis by staff who enter the tank and swim with the sharks – who, like most shark species are not aggressive towards humans unless they are provoked. Visitors to the aquarium are also able to meet the sharks close up by booking a dive and feeding experience.

Sand sharks are also known as sand tiger sharks, grey nurse sharks or ragged tooth sharks. They have a deceptively ferocious appearance with rows of ragged teeth which protrude in all directions but they are a non-aggressive species and have only been known to arrack humans when bothered first.

Sand sharks range in size from 6.5 to 10.5 feet in length and are brownish-gray with rust-coloured spots on their top and white underneath. They have a flattened, cone-shaped snout and a distinctive, oblong tail with a notched, upper lobe that is significantly longer than the lower lobe.

Sand sharks are so named as they inhabit seafloors in shallow bays, surf zines and rocky reefs quite close to shore. They are the only sharks which will rise to the surface to take air which they then store in the stomach which aids them to float motionless whilst hunting prey. Sand sharks can travel up to around 12 mph.

The main diet of sand sharks is small fish, but they will eat crustaceans and squid as well. They occasionally hunt in groups, and have even been known to attack full fishing nets.