National Aquarium – Open Ocean

Come Face
to Face With These Predators of the Deep

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Balt, MD

Shark Alley: Atlantic Predators

Sharks of varying sizes and species slowly encircle visitors inside this 225,000-gallon, ring-shaped exhibit. Come nose to nose with several species of sharks and learn to identify the many characteristics of these toothy predators of the deep.

Animals in This Exhibit

  • Nurse Shark

    Nurse sharks spend most of their time resting on the bottom of the ocean.

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  • Roughtail Stingray

    Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of this stingray is its long, whip-like tail, which may be 2.5 times as long as the body.

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  • Sand Tiger Shark

    Visitors react strongly to this shark! Large in size and with a mouthful of protruding spike-like teeth, this shark, like the great white shark, is the image that most people picture when they think of sharks.

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Sharks! Behind the Scenes

National Aquarium - Immersion Tours

Learn About Sharks! Behind the Scenes

Get uncomfortably close to these predators of the deep.

Sleepover With the Sharks

National Aquarium - Immersion Tours

Learn About Sleepover With the Sharks

Sharks will be lurking close by as you attempt to sleep through the night!

Holly Bourbon
Curator of Fishes/Diving Safety Officer

pressroom striped fish

As the Curator of Fishes, my day-to-day responsibilities include managing our staff of Aquarists, making sure that all of the animals under our care are doing well! Learn More