Monterey Bay Aquarium is pleased to announce that, for the first time ever, we're now exhibiting a sandbar shark in our million-gallon Open Sea Exhibit. The male shark, originally from Hawaii, has been growing up behind the scenes in our Animal Research & Care Center in Marina. The new shark, which went on exhibit April 26, is 43 pounds and measures four feet, six inches.
The sandbar shark (carcharhinus plumbeus) is one of the largest coastal pelagic sharks, found worldwide in subtropical waters, and can be eight feet long. True to its name, this beautiful shark is often found in sandy or muddy areas close to land. Also known as the brown or thickskin shark, it's easily recognized by its large dorsal (top) fin. It's doing very well on exhibit! You can even check out the new shark on our live web cam!
