„We are very happy that sharks are returning to the „Mega“ aquarium. They are undoubtedly one of those animals that arouse the most curiosity and emotions among visitors. This time, the journey of the new resident was special – she arrived in Kaunas from Indonesia, so we are very pleased to present visitors not only with a new aquarium resident but also another unique representative of the underwater world,“ says Laimis Binderis, marketing manager of the company „Harmony Property Management | Baltic RED“ managing PLC „Mega“.
Read more King Harald V of Norway has died
To Kaunas – by plane, in a special container
The journey from Indonesia to Kaunas was carefully planned. The shark arrived in Lithuania by plane and spent the entire trip in a special isolated container. It contained bags of water, tightly sealed and saturated with enough oxygen to last the entire journey.
As told by Tadas Laurinavičius, biologist and diver, head of the PLC „Mega“ aquarium maintenance, the whole trip from Indonesia to the new home in Kaunas, including necessary customs and veterinary procedures, took 37 hours.
„Such a journey causes stress for everyone. Sometimes after the trip, the animal does not eat for several days,“ said T. Laurinavičius.
First – quarantine
Upon arrival in Kaunas, the new aquarium resident was not immediately released into the main aquarium. First, she had to get used to the new conditions.
„When the transport container was opened, water parameters were measured, the water was saturated with oxygen and gradually changed so that the shark could adapt to the aquarium water. Later, it was transferred to a quarantine tank, where it was monitored for possible diseases and its condition was tracked,“ said the aquarium maintenance manager.
One of the most important signs that the animal has successfully adapted is appetite. When the shark starts eating well, it can be assumed that it has already settled into the new environment.
According to T. Laurinavičius, the new PLC „Mega“ resident successfully passed this stage and has been transferred to the main aquarium, where visitors can already see her.
For now – alone, but there may be more in the future
Currently, one female zebra shark has arrived at the PLC „Mega“ aquarium. According to the aquarium maintenance manager, this is the first time a shark has been purchased from so far away – Indonesia.
„So far, we have purchased one shark because it was the first time buying a shark from so far away. We were watching how it would manage the adaptation process. In the future, we plan to bring several more sharks,“ said aquarium maintenance manager T. Laurinavičius.
First – the „zebra“, later – the „leopard“
The new PLC „Mega“ resident is a zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum). This species is special because its appearance changes significantly over its lifetime.
Read more «Black August» in Russia: how this curse haunts Putin
Young zebra sharks are almost black with bright white stripes. As they grow, the colors and pattern change: the stripes become brownish, reddish, gradually fade, and adult sharks’ bodies are decorated with black spots, so their appearance resembles a leopard.
„Our brought female shark is 1–2 years old, so she is already brown, and the stripes are fading,“ said the aquarium maintenance manager.
Currently, the female shark is about 90 cm long, but this is just the beginning of her growth. Zebra sharks can grow up to about 2.5–3 meters, and the first three years of life are the period of most intensive growth.
Impressive tail and nocturnal life
Another distinctive feature of the zebra shark is its impressive tail, which can make up almost half of the animal’s total body length.
These sharks are nocturnal animals. During the day, they usually rest on the bottom, and at dusk, they become more active and go in search of food. Their diet consists of small fish, mollusks, crustaceans, crabs, and other bottom dwellers.
A shark you don’t need to fear
Although the word „shark“ still associates with danger for many, zebra sharks are peaceful and harmless to humans.
„Zebra sharks are very calm and completely harmless to humans. For this reason, they often live in aquariums worldwide,“ said T. Laurinavičius.
Previously, sharks that lived for many years in the PLC „Mega“ aquarium reached a venerable age. Now visitors will again have the opportunity to observe these impressive animals in one of Lithuania’s most unique aquariums.
The marine aquarium installed in PLC „Mega“ is the tallest in the Baltic States. It holds almost a million liters of water and contains more than 10 tons of dissolved salt. The aquarium is 4 m wide and its height is equivalent to a three-story building. About 170 tropical fish of more than 40 different species live in the aquarium, originating from the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean Seas. The corals installed in the aquarium were brought from the Republic of South Africa.
Read more Tibet dam burst: Nepal rescuers urged to withdraw
The aquarium fish are fed and cared for by a professional team of divers and biologists.
