Portland Aquarium Presents Walking Sharks Exhibit

The two new sharks on display at Portland Aquarium are truly a different breed from most sharks, and will likely inspire a few "shark tales" of their own. These new sharks are known as juvenile epaulette sharks are also called Walking Sharks by some. "They are some of the most interesting sharks I've ever seen," said Shane Dietz, the new Director of animal husbandry and operations. "Rather than swim, full grown epaulette sharks can walk by wriggling their bodies and pushing with their paired fins," continued Shane.

Epaulette sharks are nocturnal and often live near shallow water on coral reefs or in tidal pools. This shark has evolved to deal with extreme nighttime oxygen depletion that may occur in isolated tidal pools by increasing the blood supply to its brain and selectively shutting down non-essential neural functions. This is one of the most unique and interesting sharks to look upon, and the two new sharks at the Portland Aquarium will likely be very popular with children and visiting families.

About Portland Aquarium:
Portland Aquarium is a hands-on aquarium. Visitors may feed exotic creatures such as Black Tip Reef Sharks, Bat Rays, Southern Stingrays, and Lorikeets. Families can take part in numerous other activities as well. The Portland Aquarium touch tanks are filled with a variety of Sharks, Stingrays, Anemones, Sea Stars, Sea Urchins, and other amazing fish. The aquarium also hosts an array of fascinating, colorful animals that children and adults alike can experience firsthand. Visitors are welcome to come and enjoy the rain forest exhibit, jungle gym, aviary, and educational programs.