Meet Our Sharks!
Visiting the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium will give you and your kids a fantastic display of our sharks. In a few words, your whole family gets to learn about these oceanic creatures, dispel myths, and learn how these magnificent carnivores have evolved over the years. Shark species that comprise the SEA LIFE creatures include:
- Bonnethead sharks named Mario & Luigi
- Zebra shark named Joy
- Bamboo sharks
- Epaulette shark named Ellie
- Coral Catsharks
You might even experience these lively creatures feeding during your visit, which is a sight to behold.
Bonnethead Shark
We are so excited to introduce our bonnethead sharks, Mario and Luigi! Did you know that bonnethead sharks are the first known species of shark that are omnivorous? That means they eat both meat and veggies!
Can you spot Mario and Luigi in our Pacific Ocean habitat?
Zebra Shark
Did you know that zebra sharks get their name from the stripes they have when they're born? As they grow, the stripes slowly turn into spots! Because of this, many people confuse zerbra sharks for leopard sharks.
Our zebra shark's names are Joy, Nebula, and Luna and they was brought to us as part of an AZA breeding program to help keep zebra sharks from becoming endangered! Can you spot them in our tank?
Bamboo Shark
Unlike most sharks, bamboo sharks tend to stay in the sand and avoid swimming. Their fins help push them along the sand!
Epaulette Shark
Epaulette sharks have large spots resembling eyes on their backs to scare away predators. They also prefer warm, shallow water in coral reefs and tend to walk along the sand to get around!
Frequently Asked Questions
SEA LIFE Orlando features seven shark species, including blacktip reef sharks, bonnethead sharks, bamboo sharks, zebra sharks, epaulette sharks, and others. Notable residents include Mario and Luigi (bonnethead sharks), Tia and Tamara (blacktip reef sharks), and Joy, Nebula, and Luna (zebra sharks).
The sharks at SEA LIFE Orlando, such as bamboo and zebra sharks, are generally non-aggressive and harmless to humans. For example, bamboo sharks are small and feed on small fish and invertebrates, while zebra sharks are docile and unlikely to bite unless provoked.
Bonnethead sharks, like Mario and Luigi in the Pacific Ocean habitat, are the first known omnivorous shark species, eating both meat and plants. They typically grow to 2-3 feet long, making them smaller than many other shark species.
Zebra sharks, such as Joy, Nebula, and Luna, in the Atlantic Ocean habitat, are named for the stripes they have as juveniles, which turn into spots as they mature. This change often causes them to be mistaken for leopard sharks. You can spot them in the Atlantic Ocean habitat by looking for their distinctive spotted pattern.
Yes, visitors may have the opportunity to witness sharks feeding during their visit, which is described as a captivating experience. Feeding times and demonstrations are part of the aquarium’s educational offerings, though specific schedules should be checked on-site or via the SEA LIFE Orlando website.
