Shark Tank Wave Image Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter Crystal River Florida Feed a Shark!Shark Tank Wave Image Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter Crystal River Florida Feed a Shark!

Sharks

Sharks at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter

Sharks are some of the ocean’s most fascinating and misunderstood animals. At Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter, we are proud to provide a safe home for several shark species while giving our guests the chance to learn about their importance to healthy ocean ecosystems.

Our Shark Story

Many of the sharks in our care were rehomed from individuals in Florida who could no longer properly provide for them. Others have been successfully bred right here at the Aquarium, giving guests the chance to see baby sharks up close.

Our dedicated breeding program is helping us learn more about these amazing animals while contributing to their care and conservation. As our pups grow, we aim to collaborate with other aquariums and facilities across the country to ensure healthy, sustainable populations.

Why Sharks Matter

Sharks play a critical role in maintaining balance in the ocean, helping to keep fish populations healthy and ecosystems thriving. By meeting our sharks, guests gain a new perspective on these often-misunderstood animals and learn why it’s so important to protect them.

Add to Your Experience: Shark Feeding

Take your visit to the next level with our shark feeding sessions! Watch our aquarists feed and interact with our sharks while learning about their diets, behaviors, and vital role in the ocean. This hands-on experience is perfect for families and guests of all ages — a rare chance to get up close to these amazing creatures.

Meet Our Sharks

When you visit, you’ll discover a variety of shark species, including:

Epaulette Sharks – Known for their ability to “walk” along the seafloor with their fins.

Brownbanded Bamboo Sharks – A smaller species that often rests on the sandy bottom.

Whitespotted Bamboo Sharks – Recognizable by the distinct white spots scattered across their dark bodies.

Zebra Shark – Famous for its dramatic change in appearance as it grows from a striped juvenile to a spotted adult.

Nurse Sharks – Gentle giants that are bottom-dwellers with strong jaws for crushing shellfish.

Horn Sharks – Small, nocturnal sharks with unique spines on their dorsal fins, native to the Pacific but fascinating to observe in aquariums.


Dive Deeper: Plan Your Visit

Experience the thrill of shark encounters and more at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter. Our exhibits offer a unique opportunity to learn about these magnificent creatures up close. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning guest, there's always something new to discover.

Ready to Explore?

Don't miss out on our shark feeding sessions! These interactive experiences allow you to witness our aquarists in action and learn about the diets and behaviors of our sharks. It's an unforgettable addition to your visit.

Stay Connected

Keep the adventure going! Join our community on social media to stay updated on upcoming events, conservation efforts, and more. Share your shark encounters with us using #MertailorSharks.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to meet our sharks? Check out our Visit Us page for hours, ticket information, and directions. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

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