Is the trend of keeping pet sharks gaining popularity, but the ethical implications of such practice under scrutiny?
In the world of aquarium enthusiasts, the allure of owning a shark can be hard to resist. However, a closer look at the realities of keeping these majestic creatures reveals a complex and often problematic situation.
Sharks, known for their impressive size and unique characteristics, require specific care and living conditions that are often beyond the capabilities of typical home aquariums. Lise Watson, the assistant director of animal operations and habitats at Shedd Aquarium, highlights this issue, stating that even the smallest shark species demand resources typically only available in professional aquarium settings.
One of the most concerning species traded for aquariums are Epaulette sharks. These bottom-dwelling spotted sharks, known as "walking sharks" because they use their fins to crawl on the ocean floor, are one of the most endangered or vulnerable Chondrichthyes (sharks and rays) and Osteichthyes (bony fish). Despite their small size, they require specialized diets, life support systems, and veterinary oversight, making them unsuitable for most home environments.
For instance, the Blacktip shark grows to be 1.5 meters long and requires a 45,400-liter tank, while the Zebra shark, which can grow to 2.4 meters, necessitates an environment most home aquariums cannot provide.
Unfortunately, the demand for these sharks does not seem to be slowing down. Shedd Aquarium receives calls from people looking to rehome their sharks due to the size and care requirements becoming overwhelming. Some of these sharks are acquired from owners who, like Laurie, own two Epaulette sharks (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) in a 1,135-liter (300-gallon) tank.
However, the story doesn't end well for many of these sharks. Online purchases can result in dead animals upon arrival, and there is no publicly available information identifying a person in the United States who has legally managed zebra shark care inadequately by not using eggs or juveniles from wild populations or for the StAR project reintroduction.
The implications of this trade are far-reaching. Shark imports for home and commercial aquariums have been on the rise, which is concerning as nearly two-thirds of shark and ray species associated with coral reefs are at risk of extinction. owning endangered species like the Zebra shark does not help their survival.
Experts like Tyler McCleave, a sales executive, and Jay Hemdal, a retired aquarist, caution against keeping most shark species as pets. McCleave keeps four sharks in his 1.8-m-by-1-m (6-ft-by-3-ft) tank, but he does not recommend most people own sharks due to their potential harm to the animals. Hemdal only recommends the coral catshark for home aquariums and suggests that it should only be owned by someone with a lot of expertise.
Data on sharks in the aquarium trade are nearly impossible to come by, as the global trade of marine ornamental fish has never been effectively monitored. However, the evidence suggests that owning a shark as a pet is not a decision to be taken lightly. It's a commitment that requires extensive knowledge, resources, and a deep respect for these incredible creatures.
In conclusion, while the idea of owning a shark may seem appealing, it's crucial to consider the long-term health and wellbeing of these animals. For the sake of our oceans and these magnificent creatures, it's important to think twice before bringing a shark home as a pet.
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