Near this open low-level tank the visitor feels the coastal atmosphere of tropical seas – roar of the surf, the gulls' cries and sounds of the waves. The dark shadows move in the crystal clear water. There are Sharks, the largest predators of the reef. These most ancient fishes appeared about 300 millions years ago and have a number of primitive traits. They are cartilaginous, have no operculums and swimming bladder.

The sharks are widely spread in all seas and oceans and vary greatly in shape and size. Among 350 species of sharks exist dwarf forms with a body length about 10 sm. and giants – up to 18 m. Some of the species are benthopelagic, such as cat sharks (Chiloscyllium punctatum) and bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium confusum) (CHILOSCYLLIDAE), others – pelagic, like a blacktip reef shark (Carcharinus melanopterus) (CARCHARINIDAE), which you can see in "Exotarium". In the wild these sharks grows up to two meters, but in captivity they grow slowly and remain small. Practically all the sharks are active predators (only the largest – whale and large sharks eat a plankton).