Monterey Bay Aquarium: Aquarium Exhibits – Sharks: Meet Sharks & Rays

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Meet the Sharks and Rays

Here are many of the sharks and rays that have adapted to many aquatic habitats, from fresh water and shallow estuaries to the depths of the ocean, these animals are real survivors. Click on the animal for more information.

Coral reef sharks feed on a variety of the reef´s invertebrates and fishes. They are the predators that remove the weak and injured, helping keep these rich coral reef ecosystems healthy.

Blacktip Reef Shark

Epaulette Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

Zebra Shark

Epaulette Shark (© Kevin Deacon, Ocean Images)

Pacific Islands Gallery

Few sharks and rays have adapted for a life in fresh water, but these rays have physiological adaptations that allow them to live without salt water.

Jaguar Ray

Ocellated Ray

Amazon Gallery

Giant kelp plants form massive underwater forests close to shore in many parts of the world. The dark spots and blotches that adorn these sharks make them very difficult to see among the rocks and seaweeds of the kelp forest.

Horn Shark

Leopard Shark

Pajama Catshark

Puffadder Shyshark

Pacific Northwest Gallery

Africa Gallery

Shark Egg Cases

Swell Shark

Pacific Northwest Gallery

Most open water fishes are strong, streamlined swimmers; a number of them swim in schools. They are also counter shaded—dark above and light below—for camouflage in this featureless environment.

Galapagos Shark

Pelagic Ray

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

Pelagic Ray (© Monterey Bay Aquarium/Randy Wilder)

Australia Gallery

The flattened shape of certain sharks and rays immediately suggest a bottom dweller. They have streamlined bodies, appropriate camouflage, and often partially bury themselves in the sand to be invisible to prey and predators alike.

Bat Ray

Big Skate

Pacific Electric Ray

Shovelnose Guitarfish

Pacific Electric Ray (© Dounwma/Naturepl.com

Pacific Northwest Gallery

Southern Stingray

Southern Stingray (© Howard Hall/howardhall.com)

Central America Gallery

More Sharks

Our Animal Guide

includes more sharks and rays found in other aquarium exhibits. Search for the word "shark," "ray" or "skate."

Celebrating 25 Years of Ocean Conservation