Mandalay Bay’s ‘Shark Reef Aquarium’ Home To Four New Shark Breeds

Mandalay Bay’s “Shark Reef Aquarium” is making a home for four new shark breeds. They will roam around a brand-new 35,000 gallon “Rocky Coast” exhibit. Interestingly, this is the first new exhibit at this attraction since the Komodo Dragon and Giant Pacific Octopus were introduced back in 2008. That’s according to an article by Kiara Adams on ReviewJournal.com.

Well, I don’t think you’d want to meet them in person, but you can spend all the time you would like while watching them at Shark Reef Aquarium. Specifically, the four new shark breeds include the Horn Shark, the Swell Shark, the Leopard Shark, and the Pyjama Shark. The first three listed are mainly found off the rocky coast of California. The Pyjama Shark is found off the rocky coast of South Africa.

As a matter of fact, before you scroll down to see photos or watch videos of these newly added shark breeds, know this. This new exhibit complements other cold-water species exhibits at Shark Reef. First, there’s the Pacific Sea Nettles. Second, the Giant Pacific Octopus. That’s according to an article by KTNV Staff on KTNV.com. Now, the new “Rocky Coast” exhibit will be part of the “Cold Corner” at the attraction.

The new "Rocky Coast" exhibit officially opened this past Wednesday. If you've never been to Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, it's really quite amazing. There are over 2,000 species of animals roaming around and living in these giant aquariums and exhibits. Furthermore, it is the first and only facility in Nevada that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. That’s according to the Shark Reef webpage at MandalayBay.MGMResorts.com.

Adult ticket prices start at $29. This is an awe-inspiring and educational attraction for your kids during summer vacation. Comparatively, kids ticket prices start at $24 dollars with children under 4 admitted free.

Shark Reef Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., with the last admission at 7 p.m. It’s nice and cool inside Mandalay Bay and inside Shark Reef, so it sounds like a fun place to spend these hot summer days.

The distinctive, long, parallel lines running down the length of the Pyjama Shark's body make it easily recognizable. It is found primarily in the coastal waters along the border of South Africa. It can grow to be just over three feet long.

The Leopard Shark is found along the Pacific coast of North America. Primarily from Oregon down to Mexico. It grows to be about 4-5 feet in length and it is recognized by the horizontal striping across its back and down the length of its body.

The Swell Shark is another breed which is found along the Pacific coast of North America. Primarily from central California down to Mexico. However, there is another population that has been found off of the coast of Chile in South America. Interestingly, this shark actually does swell up to twice its normal size when it feels threatened. It accomplishes this defense mechanism by swallowing gallons and gallons of water. They grow to be about 3 to 3-1/2 feet in length.

The Horn Shark is a species of Bullhead Shark which is also found along the coast of California. It's a relatively small type of shark, measuring just over 3 feet in length. It is recognized by its the protruding ridges over its eyes. It has short, blunt head, and two sets of dorsal fins.