Pop Quiz: Sharks and Their Relatives

This sand tiger shark can be seen swimming in Shark Lagoon, the aquarium's new interactive exhibit.

The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on the planet. It is home to many kinds of fish, including sharks and their relatives. Try to match the right fish with the clue given below.

A. thorny ray; B. sand tiger shark; C. nurse shark; D. round ray; E. sawfish; F. blacktip reef shark.

___ 1. This shark has very strong mouth suction. It can suck up its prey from hard-to-reach places.

___ 2. This ray is also called a porcupine ray shark because of sharp "thorns" on its back.

___ 3. This animal is related to sharks and rays and has a large "saw" at the front of its head for digging in the sand in search of fish and for stunning its prey.

___ 4. This shark lives around coral reefs and has black tips on its dorsal (top) fins and caudal (tail) fin.

___ 5. This large shark has gotten a bad reputation because of its outwardly pointed teeth. In fact, it is generally harmless to people.

___ 6. This small stingray gets its name from its round body shape.

Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-E, 4-F, 5-B, 6-D.

You can see all these sharks and their relatives up close at the Aquarium of the Pacific. For tickets and information, call (562) 590-3100 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org.

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