Sharks

Selachimorpha

Natural diet Sharks

The natural diet of sharks varies depending on the species. For instance, some sharks are bottom feeders that feed on crustaceans, mollusks and other invertebrates, while other sharks are apex predators that feed on larger fish, cephalopods and marine mammals.

Fish

Invertebrates / crustaceans

Feeding advice Sharks

Feed quantity per day

1-5%

Sample percentage calculation

If an animal weighs 100 kg and eats 5% of its body weight, it will get

100 x 0.05 = 5 kg feed in total per day

Feed composition

99% Fish products
1% Supplements

Proportions (fresh product)

0.99 x 5 kg = 4,950 g fish products
0.01 x 5 kg = 50 g supplements

Feeding advice Sharks

Feed quantity per day

1-5%

Sample percentage calculation

If an animal weighs 100 kg and eats 5% of its body weight, it will get

100 x 0.05 = 5 kg feed in total per day

Feed composition

99% Fish products
1% Supplements

Proportions (fresh product)

0.99 x 5 kg = 4,950 g fish products
0.01 x 5 kg = 50 g supplements

Diet Suggestions

Not recommended

Live prey

Common diseases

An unbalanced diet may result in one of these more commonly occurring diseases/conditions:

Poor water quality (can lead to ammonia poisoning)
Gill impairment
Anemia
Spinal deformations
Iodine deficiency
Obesity

Additional advice

The amount of food sharks are given depends on the size and species of the shark, as well as the size of the tank or enclosure they are housed in.
In a captive environment, an adult shark eats about 1% to 10% of its total body weight per week.
Divide the “Feed quantity per day” over at least two feeding moments per week.
Feeding frequency depends on several factors (metabolism, age class, hormonal status, food availability, etc.) and may differ between zoos. For instance, some zoos feed their sharks between 1-7 times per week, while others fed 2-4 times per week.
Provide supplements that are sufficient in iodine.
The supplements should be given according to the appropriate dosage that is mentioned on the labelling.
Make sure that the water quality parameters are maintained within pre-set ranges, as this is essential for proper welfare and health.

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