Monterey Bay Aquarium Shark Spotting Guide

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The aquarium has several shark species on display—from the slender soupfin shark to the abundant leopard shark. See what sharks you can spot during your next visit or on our web site.

SHARK
EXHIBIT
ONLINE
COOL FACTS
Galapagos shark
Sharks Online Field Guide
Sharks come in many different shapes and sizes, but most people are most familiar with the classic look of a Galapagos shark. Its body is solid, large and torpedo shaped—an efficient form for swimming.
Horn shark
Kelp Forest Kelp Cam and
Online Field Guide
Slow and sluggish, horn sharks spend their days hidden in crevices or among rocks—unseen for the most part since their coloration matches the muddy browns and greens of their surroundings.
Leopard shark
Kelp Forest Kelp Cam and
Online Field Guide
The leopard shark eggs hatch within the female's uterus—the offspring are born live and ready to fend for themselves.
Scalloped hammerhead shark

Outer Bay
Outer Bay Cam and
Online Field Guide
Scalloped hammerheads commonly prey on stingrays. One shark was found with 96 venomous stingray barbs imbedded in its mouth and jaws.
Sevengill shark

Monterey Bay Habitats
Online Field Guide
Sevengill sharks aren't fussy eaters-they prey on almost anything, including octopuses, rays, other sharks, bony fishes and carrion. Observers have seen sevengill sharks in packs hunting for seals.
Spiny dogfish shark

Monterey Bay Habitats Online Field Guide
As their name suggests, spiny dogfish sharks sport sharp, venomous spines in front of each dorsal fin. The name "dogfish" stems from their habit of feeding in packs.
Swell shark

Kelp Forest Kelp Cam and
Online Field Guide
If threatened, the swell shark bends its body into a U-shape, grasps its tail-fin in its mouth and swallows a large quantity of sea water, making it swell to twice its normal size.
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