Sharks in aquariums face welfare challenges from spatial restriction and the demands of captive life. Understanding species requirements helps assess whether captive display is welfare-compatible.
Shark welfare in captivity varies enormously by species. Highly mobile pelagic species like great whites, mako sharks, and whale sharks cannot be kept humanely because their physiology requires continuous forward movement to force water over their gills. All attempts to maintain great whites in captivity have resulted in death within days. Smaller benthic species with lower oxygen requirements and more sedentary natural behavior — bamboo sharks, nurse sharks, wobbegong — can be maintained with better welfare outcomes in appropriately designed facilities. Modern large aquariums that have invested in expansive oval or circular tanks with controlled current allow more natural movement patterns than rectangular tanks that force sharks into unnatural turning behavior. Species selection for aquarium display should begin with welfare assessment of captive compatibility.