Sharks in aquariums face specific welfare challenges from tank size, social management, and feeding - larger species particularly suffer in captivity.
Shark welfare in aquariums is highly species-dependent. Some smaller, benthic species (nurse sharks, wobbegongs, banded cat sharks) adapt reasonably well to captivity in appropriate tanks. Large pelagic species (white tips, hammerheads) cannot be kept humanely - they fail to thrive and die quickly. The welfare cost of large species in captivity is severe - constant circular swimming, tank collisions, and inability to fulfil natural navigation behaviour. Aquariums should restrict shark keeping to species demonstrably able to thrive in captivity, and prioritise digital and model-based education for species that cannot be humanely maintained.