Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
The only large shark that is at all common in Monterey Bay is the
blue shark, but I knew from past experience that they would never sur-
vive in the Monterey Bay Habitats exhibit. Although the tank is quite
large, this open ocean shark wouldn't be able to tolerate the obstruc-
tions of rocky reefs and wharf pilings.
Great white sharks, while uncommon in the Bay, periodically make
their presence known by a rare but spectacular attack on a surfer or
seal or a gray whale carcass. However, even very small white sharks have
failed to thrive in aquariums. In any event, the only great whites that
frequent Monterey Bay are large adults of a thousand pounds or more,
and they're much too big to even consider trying to bring in alive.
Just because an animal is large and dangerous does not mean it is tough.
In fact, quite the opposite is true. The sheer size and weight of such
an animal makes moving it a monumental job, which in itself becomes
life-threatening to the animal. Moving such a massive animal is not
particularly dangerous to the aquarists, but it most certainly is to the
shark.
SEVENGILLS IN HUMBOLDT BAY
I knew I had to come up with a shark that was both large and indige-
nous to Monterey Bay. The logical choice was the sevengill (
No-
torhynchus cepedianus
), an animal that lacks the typical sleek, stream-
lined shark shape and has been stuck with the most unglamorous—and
inappropriate—family name of cowshark.
Sevengills certainly don't have much in common with docile, her-
bivorous cows. They do get large, however, and they do have a big
mouth. Their teeth are well concealed within their mouth, and in their
normal swimming mode they look as if they have no teeth at all, like
an old man who forgot to put in his false teeth. In reality, those teeth
are quite formidable and with little e¤ort can take large chunks out of
prey. In the shallow, muddy bays that sevengills inhabit, bat rays are
one of their favorite foods, and they've also been known to eat har-
bor seals. They are top predators; they just don't advertise it with their
appearance.
Sevengills, though found in Monterey Bay on occasion, are not com-
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