Feared by many, respected by divers - sharks are easily the most misunderstood of all the creatures that live in the ocean. From the tiger, Zambezi and raggedtooth sharks to the small blacktip, pyjama and hound sharks, Sea World exhibits a wide range of shark species representative of the Western Indian Ocean.
 
This exhibit is home to slow moving raggedtooth sharks that have a pointed snout and are generally brown in colour. These docile animals are not dangerous unless provoked and their thin, pointed teeth are designed for grasping smaller prey items, which can be swallowed whole. Other species that periodically spend time in the exhibit include the grey Zambezi shark, with their blunt nose and hidden teeth and the tiger shark, which is easily identified by the large eyes, square snout and stripes across the body.
 
Closely associated with the large sharks are the remoras or suckerfish. These fish have a specially adapted dorsal fin which enables them to cling onto larger animals. They are able to pick up bits of food that drop while the sharks are feeding - thereby getting a free ride and an easy meal!
 
The smaller reef sharks seldom reach more than 2 metres in size. They are sometimes seen swimming in large numbers above coral reefs. The shy pyjama sharks favour cooler waters. They are nocturnal by nature and appear to sleep during the day, becoming more active at night, when they feed. Large shoals of karanteen and sand steenbras provide an added attraction to the shark exhibit, as well as providing essential algae-eating and sand-cleaning facilities!
 
The smaller exhibits in this area house other potentially dangerous species such as devil firefish, swimming in their appropriately themed underwater 'parlour', stonefish and pufferfish. Carefully worded interpretive signage in the area ensures that guests understand that, although potentially dangerous, the animals' defense mechanisms are designed to ensure their survival, not harm humans!