Zoo database

Sharks

Selachimorpha

Natural diet Sharks

Fish
Invertebrates / crustaceans

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.

Feeding advice Sharks

Feed quantity per day

1-5% of body weight

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 = 4950 g fish products
0.01 x 5 kg = 50 g supplements

Diet suggestions

Not recommended

Live prey

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.

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

Species within this group

Nurse shark
Hammerhead shark
Bull shark
Sand tiger shark
Bamboo shark
Epaulette shark
Horn shark
Zebra shark
Blacktip reef shark
Whitetip reef shark

Feed quantity per day

Sample percentage calculation

Feed composition

Proportions (fresh product)

Shark & Ray Supplement (1,5 g tablets)

Akwavit Tablet Shark

Haring Groot MSC - ca. 24 kg doos

Garnalen IQF - 5 kg doos

Michiel Derks

Director Petfood & Zoos