Sharks and rays are increasingly kept in public aquaria and sometimes in private collections. Their welfare needs are poorly understood compared to bony fish, and welfare failures are common.
Elasmobranch welfare in aquaria involves rostrum and snout injuries from repeated contact with tank walls, which cause infections and chronic discomfort. Rays develop wing edge necrosis in inadequate enclosures. Electromagnetic interference from aquarium equipment may cause persistent sensory disruption. Appetite loss in sharks — a common indicator of welfare compromise — is often misread as normal variation. Private keeping of sharks and rays typically provides vastly inadequate conditions and should be opposed.