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Sharks and Rays

Black Tip Reef Shark
Carcharhinus melanopterus

The Black Tip Sharks are attracted by splashing and will sometimes come up to investigate out of curiosity. This shark can jump right out of the water over shallow coral.

 
Nurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum

Nurse Sharks tend to be sluggish. They travel in schools, sometimes piled together on the bottom of the ocean. This shark lives in warm water near coral reefs.

 
White Tip Shark
Trioeonodon obesus

These sharks usually sleep during the day, sometimes in caves, and are active in the late afternoon and evenings. Their favorite food is octopus.

 
Fresh Water Sting Ray
Potamotrygon motoro

The Fresh Water Ray is native to the Amazon River. Its sting is painful, but not fatal to people. This ray may have up to 3 venomous spines on its tail.

 
Pelagic Sting Ray
Petroplatytrygon violacea

The Pelagic Sting Ray can grow up to 3 ft. long with a 6 ft. long tail. This ray rises to the water's surface at night.

 
Leopard Shark
Triakis semifasciata

They have spots just like a leopard. Their skin color acts as camouflage, blending with the coral and rocks. This shark can't stop swimming or else it will sink.

 
Bat Ray
Myliobatis californica

The Bat Ray doesn't swim like most fish. Instead of using its tail, it swims by flapping its wings. It also uses its wings to hit the ocean floor to find food, usually worms and clams. This ray is native to the West Coast of California.

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