Oceans Aware presents : The Shark Lab, Aquarium and Research Facility in Mossel Bay, South Africa
Meet the Sharks at The Shark Lab
It is with great pride that we introduce you to all our sharky friends. They may not be as big as the Whale shark, as powerful as the Great white, or a fast as the Mako sharks, but the sharks of the Shark lab are without a doubt some of the coolest you will ever encounter! But remember, they are far cuter in real life!
Princess Fiona, Female Leopard Shark (big spots)
General Information
- Species : Leopard Shark
- Length : 55cm
- Weight : 910 grams
- Gender : Female
- Captured : 18th February 2009
- Release : 18th May 2009
About Princess Fiona
The staff of the Shark Lab learnt early on that like the Leopards of the land, Leopard sharks of the sea are also very shy, and like to hide away from any prying eyes until night time or when dinner is served. Princess Fiona is much in this mould, and often only her tail can be seen sticking out from the rocks. But on the rare times she does come out to play, her markings make her the reigning beauty queen of the Shark Lab!
Karma, Female Pyjama Shark
General Information
- Species : Pyjama Shark
- Length : 860mm
- Weight : 4600 grams
- Gender : Feale
- Captured : 26th March 2009
- Release : 26th May 2009
About Karma
The biggest shark in the aquarium, with an appetite to match! When Oceans captured her, she regurgitated (puked) up a full octopus! And unlike many of our newly arrived sharky friends, she began eating on her first day in the shark lab, and has not stopped since!
Mad Mike, Male Puff Adder Shyshark
General Information
- Species : Puff Adder Shyshark
- Length : 52.5cm
- Weight : 680 grams
- Gender : Male
- Captured : 26th March 2009
- Release : 26th May 2009
About Mad Mike
Mad Mike is named after Oceans Intern Mike who captured him, and like his name sake, is slightly . mad! Although many of the benthic sharks spend large amounts of time resting, Mad Mike is always on the move, exploring nooks and cranies, searching out food, and generally making a nuisance of himself in the otherwise chilled benthic tank!.
Wee Gill, Female Puff Adder Shyshark
General Information
- Species : Puff Adder Shyshark
- Length : 41 cm
- Weight : 340 grams
- Gender : Female
- Captured : 26th March 2009
- Release : 26th May 2009
About Wee Gill
Wee Gill, Puff Adder Shyshark. The smallest, and shyest of the Shark Labs sharky visitors, weighing only 1/16th the weight of big Karma! Many days go by without sighting Gill as she can snuggle in between the rocks to hide away. But since Karma arrival, her confidence is gained and often she can be spotted hiding under one of Karma's pectoral (side) fins!.
Dynamite, Female Puff Adder Shyshark
General Information
- Species : Puff Adder Shyshark
- Length : 53cm
- Weight : 540 grams
- Gender : Female
- Captured : 26th March 2009
- Release : 26th May 2009
About Dynamite
The saying that dynamite comes in small packages is oh so right when it comes to our little shark named Dynamite. Although the second smallest in the tank, this girl packs a punch! Many of the Oceans interns have the scrapes and scars to prove it that were acquired during routine weighing and measuring activities!
Shoshie, Female Leopard Shyshark (small spots)
General Information
- Species : Leopard Shyshark (small spots)
- Length : 52.5cm
- Weight : 680 gramms
- Gender : Male
- Captured : 18th February 2009
- Release : 18th May 2009
About Shoshie
Shoshie is another beautiful, but shy, Leopard shark. For her first month at the Shark Lab she made home in a small dark rocky cavern only venturing out when the smell of food told her it was dinner time. However, with the addition of Cool Chris, Mad Mike and Karma competition for hiding holes is getting fierce, and the stunning markings of Shosie can be seen more and more frequently!
Cool Chris, Female Puff Adder Shyshark
General Information
- Species : Puff Adder Shyshark
- Length : 57cm
- Weight : 780 gramms
- Gender : Female
- Captured : 26th March 2009
- Release : 26th May 2009
About Cool Chris
Cool Chris, is as her name reflects. very cool. And by this we mean chilled and relaxed. Most of our sharks are understandably a little anxious when they are first entered arrive at the Shark Lab, but not Cool Chris! Within moments she had located a nice resting spots and chilled out to watch the commotion all the new sharks were causing. Today, Cool Chris remains cool, calm and collected!
Sparta, Female Puff Adder Shyshark
General Information
- Species : Leopard Shark
- Length : 76cm
- Weight : 2140 grams
- Gender : Female
- Captured : 20th March 2009
- Release : 20th June 2009
About Sparta
This - is - Sparta!!! Before Karma's arrival, Sparta was the biggest and baddest of the shark labs sharky friends, and dominated the tanks top resting spots. Sparta, also has a habit of 'rolling' over when she slept, giving the appearance that she is a little "off color". But do not be fooled! as soon as feeding time arrives the tanks bully shows who is boss!
Uncle Monty, Male Puff Adder Shyshark
General Information
- Species : Puff Adder Shyshark
- Length : 55cm
- Weight : 720 grams
- Gender : Male
- Captured : 26th March 2009
- Release : 26th May 2009
About Uncle Monty
Oozing wit and sophistication, Uncle Monty brings a level of quiet wisdom to life at The Shark Lab. Often seen gliding over the rocks with graceful observation, Uncle Monty is every bit the thinking man's shark!