Sharks

  • SEA LIFE, Tropical Ocean Tunnel

Sharks have lived in our oceans for more than 420 million years... that makes them older than Dinosaurs!

Their brains have evolved to become more intelligent and devoted to their senses – mainly their ability to smell. There are over 500 species of shark in our oceans and you’ll meet the largest collection of species in Scotland when you visit us!

  • SEA LIFE Trust is actively working with the Shark Trust to campaign against unsustainable shark fishing in EU waters. SEA LIFE is also proud to be coordinating the European Black Tip Reef Shark breeding programme.

Black Tip Reef Shark

We love our Black Tip Reef Sharks, they’re jaw-some! And with the prominent black markings on their fins, they are easy to spot.

Found on the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Blacktip Reef Sharks prefer shallow, inshore waters.

Black Tip Shark
Black Tip Reef Shark

These sharks are viviparous

  • They give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. In the first few years of their life young Black Tip Reef Sharks often fall prey to larger fish such as groupers, Grey Reef Sharks, Tiger Sharks or even bigger Blacktip Reef Sharks. Juvenile Black Tips often use mangroves as a nursery ground; Hiding amongst the tightly woven roots where bigger Sharks can't reach them
  • The Blacktip Reef Shark’s diet is composed primarily of small teleost fishes, including mullet, groupers, grunters, jacks, mojarras, wrasses, surgeonfish, and smelt-whitings
Lesser Spotter Dogfish

Native Sharks

SEA LIFE Loch Lomond is also home to native shark species such as the Lesser Spotted Dogfish. These sharks can be found in British waters and, despite their name, are actually members of the Catshark family!

Lesser Spotted Dogfish

Lesser Spotted Dogfish

Rarely growing any longer than 80cm in length, these cute little sharks are opportunistic predators which feed on a wide range of shellfish and crustaceans.

Health