We just received news that two sandbar sharks at the South Carolina Aquarium are moving out. The sharks were probably not unhappy with the accommodations; we suspect the decision came from above. What we found out is that actually the sharks have been donated to Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, so there is nothing fishy going on.
The donation will make it possible for four sandbar sharks to move out in the spotlight to the Great Ocean Tank exhibit. These poor souls are currently residing in the less popular behind-the-scenes holding tanks. Besides it will also give the South Carolina Aquarium the chance to feature hammerhead sharks.
Right now, there is no set date for the addition of hammerhead sharks.
Aquarium staff members are currently looking for hammerheads. The Aquarium is permitted to collect four hammerhead sharks for the Great Ocean Tank.
Currently there are eight sharks in the Aquarium’s Great Ocean Tank exhibit, three sandbar sharks, three sandtiger sharks and two nurse sharks.
“Opportunities to showcase new animals are exciting,” says Senior Dive Safety Officer, Arnold Postell. “We are hopeful to collect hammerhead sharks in the next few weeks. After a quarantine period, the species would then be featured in the Great Ocean Tank.”
The sandbar shark, Charcharhinus plumbeus, is one of the most common species of shark found in South Carolina.
Photo: courtesy of the South Carolina Aquarium
