Ripley's Aquarium, Myrtle Beach, SC

Sand tiger sharks at both of Ripley’s Aquariums have shown breeding behavior on exhibit. The purpose of the study is to characterize the breeding behavior and monitor gravid females. In addition to anecdotal observations, the study will consist of periodic blood collection and ultrasonography of the gravid animal. An attempt to film the birthing process will be made. Part of this project overlaps with another project, with which we have cooperated, with Alan Henningsen at the National Aquarium in Baltimore involving examining blood hormonal chemistries of male and female sand tiger sharks.