Our blue planet has been inhabited by sharks for more than 420 million years. We now have close to 500 different species of sharks ranging in size from the dwarf lanternshark (only about 6 inches in length) to the whale shark (the largest fish in the world)!
Although they have become the subject of the international phenomenon otherwise known as Discovery Channel's Shark Week (which boasted an average of 27 million viewers last year), there is still so much to learn about these amazing creatures.
The very interesting tasselled wobbegong shark - coming to our new Blacktip Reef exhibit in summer 2013!
In honor of our mission to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures, we hope to educate our visitors and community about the misconceptions surrounding these amazing animals.
To get to know more about our sharks, we sat down with one of our shark caretakers, Alan Henningsen:
National Aquarium: How long have you been working with sharks?
Alan Henningsen: I've been working alongside sharks for 32 years.
NA: What is your favorite shark species?
AH: It's hard to say! My favorite animal is by far the sawfish, which is actually a species of ray.
A sand tiger shark cruises slowly above sawfish in our Shark Alley exhibit.
I have worked with lemon sharks a lot over the years. Actually, the sand tiger sharks and sandbar sharks are my favorite.
The sand tiger sharks get up close and personal with visitors in our Shark Alley exhibit.
NA: What are your daily duties caring for the National Aquarium sharks?
AH: My day-to-day duties include observing and recording behavior, maintaining the exhibit (e.g. lighting and cleaning), preparing food and feedings.
NA: How many sharks do you care for?
AH: In our Shark Alley exhibit, I am currently caring for 10 large sharks (5 sand tiger, 2 sandbar and 3 nurse sharks), and 3 rays (2 freshwater sawfish and 1 roughtail ray).
NA: What’s your favorite fun fact about sharks?
AH: That's another tough one! I think the diverse way in which sharks reproduce is fascinating. From internal fertilization to asexual conception, sharks display a diverse array of reproduction cycles.
What species of animal are YOU most thankful for this year? Tell us in the comments section below!