Sharks and rays in aquariums have specific welfare needs related to water quality, space, electromagnetic sensitivity, and species-appropriate social conditions.
Elasmobranch welfare in aquariums requires careful species selection and appropriate exhibit design. Large, fast-swimming pelagic species including manta rays cannot have adequate welfare in conventional tank sizes and ideally should not be kept in captivity. Benthic species and smaller sharks are more amenable to captive keeping with appropriate management. Water quality parameters including ammonia, oxygen, and pH are critical for gill health. Magnetic and electrical field sensitivity means aquarium equipment can cause chronic disturbance requiring careful facility design. Social management varies between solitary species requiring separation and social species benefiting from conspecific companionship.