Will the sharks bite me?
Neither species of shark in Stingray Bay are a risk for biting because the nature of the sharks in our exhibits is such that they are quite gentle in taking the food offered to them.
Can the stingrays sting me?
No, the stingrays in our touch tank have had their barbs painlessly trimmed—like a long fingernail. In the wild, a stingray will only use its barb when it feels its life is threatened.
Will the sharks bite me?
Neither species of shark in Stingray Bay are a risk for biting because the nature of the sharks in our exhibits is such that they are quite gentle in taking the food offered to them.
Will the horse shoe crabs sting me?
Despite their size and intimidating appearance, horseshoe crabs are not dangerous. Their tails may look like a weapon, but are actually used to plow the crab through the sand and muck, to act as a rudder, and to help the crab flip over if it accidentally falls upside down.
What are stingrays?
Stingrays are a fish species most closely related to sharks. Stingrays are commonly found in the shallow coastal waters of temperate seas and spend the majority of their time inactive and partially buried in the sand. The stingray's coloration often reflects the floor of the ocean where it's camouflaged from other predators. A stingray's size can range from 10 inches to up to 20 feet in the case of the manta ray.
What is the difference between sharks and rays?
The obvious would be the shape: Sharks typically have a fusiform body (rounded and tapered at both ends). This shape reduces drag and requires a minimum amount of energy to swim. Rays are flattened, with their mouths located on the abdominal part of their bodies and gill openings. Eyes on sharks are situated on either side of their heads, while the eyes of rays are on top of their heads. Rays are famous for their barbed, venomous spine on a whip-like tail while most sharks have no spine. This is how they defend themselves from predators. Sharks main line of defense are their rows of razor sharp teeth, which are also good for ripping apart their prey. Reproductively, there are also differences; rays give birth to live young, while most sharks lay eggs. There are always exceptions to every rule but those listed above show common similarities and differences between sharks and
their cousins, the stingrays.
