Epaulette Shark
Epaulette sharks use their muscular fins to move across the seafloor, creating the appearance that they are walking.
Open 11 am - 4 pm
Sharks
Shark exhibits in Citrus County, Florida
Sharks at Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter
Meet some of the ocean's most fascinating and misunderstood animals at our indoor aquarium near Crystal River, Florida.
At Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter, guests can observe several shark species while learning how sharks move, feed, rest, reproduce, and help maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems. Our goal is to replace fear with curiosity and give every visitor a better understanding of these remarkable animals.
Look for sharks throughout the aquarium. Depending on the species, you may see them resting along the bottom, moving between habitat structures, exploring after a feeding, or swimming beside our mermaids in the main aquarium exhibit.
Our Shark Story
Every shark has a story. Several sharks in our care were rehomed from individuals in Florida who could no longer provide the specialized space, filtration, diet, and long-term care these animals require.
Other sharks were bred and hatched right here at Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter. Through careful observation and recordkeeping, our team follows their development from egg to pup and continues learning from each animal as it grows.
- Rehoming: Providing long-term care for sharks that outgrew or no longer fit a private setting.
- Breeding: Supporting responsible reproduction and documenting the development of eggs and pups.
- Collaboration: Working toward partnerships with qualified aquariums and zoological facilities as animals grow.
Why Sharks Matter
Sharks are important members of aquatic ecosystems. Different species fill different roles, but together they influence food webs, animal behavior, and the balance of marine communities.
Healthy Food Webs
Sharks help shape marine food webs by feeding on different animals and influencing where other species move and gather.
More Than a Reputation
Many sharks are small, secretive, bottom-dwelling, or active at night. Meeting them in person helps guests see beyond the frightening image often shown in movies and television.
Worth Protecting
Learning how sharks live helps people better understand why responsible fishing, habitat protection, and thoughtful animal care matter.
Meet Our Sharks
Our collection includes sharks with very different body shapes, behaviors, habitats, and natural histories. Species and individual visibility may vary during your visit because each animal chooses where to rest or swim within its habitat.
Brownbanded Bamboo Shark
This smaller bottom-dwelling shark is often seen resting on sand or beneath habitat structures during the day.
Whitespotted Bamboo Shark
Its dark body is patterned with distinct pale spots, helping distinguish it from other bamboo shark species.
Zebra Shark
Young zebra sharks are striped, but their pattern changes dramatically as they mature, leaving adults covered in dark spots.
Nurse Shark
Nurse sharks are powerful bottom-dwellers that use suction and strong jaws to capture prey hidden along reefs and the seafloor.
Horn Shark
Horn sharks are small Pacific sharks with blunt heads and defensive spines positioned in front of their dorsal fins.
From Egg to Baby Shark
Shark reproduction gives our guests a rare opportunity to see that not every shark begins life the same way. Several species in our collection lay eggs, allowing our team to monitor development before a pup hatches.
Egg Monitoring
Egg cases are observed closely so our aquarists can follow development, check condition, and document important changes.
Shark Nursery
Newly hatched pups receive age-appropriate habitats, feeding, and observation while they grow stronger and more independent.
Long-Term Planning
Breeding decisions require preparation for adult size, habitat needs, genetics, placement, and the animal's lifelong care.
Shared Learning
Records and observations can help strengthen husbandry knowledge and support future collaboration with other qualified facilities.
Add to Your Visit: Shark Feeding
Make your aquarium visit even more memorable with a shark feeding add-on when available.
See Feeding Behavior Up Close
Watch how a shark locates and takes food while learning why species, size, health, and behavior all influence an aquarist's feeding plan.
Ask Our Team When You Arrive
Shark feeding availability may vary by day, animal needs, and operational conditions. Ask a team member about current opportunities during your visit.
Specialized Care Behind the Scenes
Caring for sharks involves much more than filling a tank and providing food. Our aquarists monitor water quality, filtration, appetite, body condition, behavior, habitat use, growth, and interactions with other animals.
- Species-appropriate habitats and water conditions
- Carefully prepared diets and feeding records
- Routine behavioral and physical observations
- Habitat maintenance and life-support monitoring
- Veterinary collaboration when additional evaluation is needed
Shark Exhibit Questions
What shark species can we see?
Species may include nurse sharks, zebra sharks, epaulette sharks, brownbanded bamboo sharks, whitespotted bamboo sharks, and horn sharks.
Were any sharks born at the aquarium?
Yes. We have successfully bred and hatched sharks at Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter and continue monitoring their development as they grow.
Are any of the sharks rehomed animals?
Yes. Several sharks came to us after private individuals could no longer provide the specialized long-term care they required.
Can guests feed a shark?
A shark feeding add-on may be available during your visit. Ask our team about current options when you arrive.
Is the shark exhibit included with admission?
The shark habitats are part of the aquarium experience. Optional feeding activities may require an additional purchase.
Will every shark be active?
Not necessarily. Some shark species naturally spend long periods resting, especially during the day, while others may be more active around feeding times.
Where is the aquarium located?
Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is located at 4100 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461, in Citrus County near Crystal River.
Are sharks dangerous to the mermaids?
Our professional performers and aquarium team follow established training, animal-awareness, and operational procedures while working in the shared habitat.
Meet the Sharks Near Crystal River, Florida
Plan a visit to Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter and discover sharks, rays, touch tanks, marine exhibits, and live underwater mermaid shows in one indoor Citrus County attraction.
Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter
4100 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461