Sharks

Despite its fearsome appearance and rows of sharp teeth, the Grey Nurse shark offers no threat to humans and is, in fact, a superbly adapted fish-eater, usually swallowing its prey whole. During the 1960s and 1970s, the population of the Grey Nurse shark declined sharply and in 1984, they became the first shark species in the world to be awarded protected status. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium supports conservation measures to protect the species, such as through the establishment of marine parks where fishing is prohibited.

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Vulnerable
However the east coast population is listed as critically endangered.

The Blacktip Reef shark is habitually identified by its prominent black tips on its fins. This species can grow up to 120 centimetres in length and feeds on crustaceans and other small fish. They are typically found lying within shallow, inshore waters over reef ledges and sandy flats of tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. However, they sometimes appear within brackish and freshwater environments too.

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Vulnerable

The Whitetip Reef shark is widely found across the Indo-Pacific region nestling near caves as well as the coral heads and ledges of coral reefs. Whitetips are more slender in body shape than other sharks, have oval-shaped eyes, characteristic white tipped fins and can grow up to 1.6 metres in length. Its diet consists of eels, octopus and crustaceans.

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Vulnerable

Wobbegong sharks are species of carpet sharks found in the temperate and tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific Region. The origins of the name ‘Wobbegong’ is derived from the Australian Aboriginal language meaning ‘shaggy beard’, a reference to the whisker-like growths around its mouth. Unlike other sharks, the Wobbegong’s skin is patterned, giving the appearance of light and dark blotches which assist its ability to camouflage on the ocean floor. Most species of Wobbegong grow up to 1.5 metres in length.

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Least concern

The Epaulette shark is a small slender shark that has one large black spot on its body and is a member of the carpet shark family. This shark has the ability to 'walk' by using its fins just like feet. This adaptation helps this shark navigate its way through rocky reefs looking for food.

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Least concern 

The Leopard shark also commonly known around the world as the Zebra shark is a slow-moving species that feeds on the sandy bottom on the sea primarily on molluscs and gastropod. This species grows to around 2.4m but has been recorded around 3.5m long. 

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Endangered

Tawny Nurse Sharks or the Rusty Cat Shark can be found in the warmer waters of the north Australian coast. This species belongs to a family of sharks called the carpet sharks. Tawny sharks tend to spend the day resting among coral reefs or rocky substrate and is most active at night. This species of shark can grow to about 3.2 m in length. You can find our Tawny Nurse sharks in our Day and Night on the reef exhibit!

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Vulnerable