Tiger sharks turn nasty in Dubai Mall aquarium

FISHY BUSINESS: An artist's impression of the new aquarium at Dubai Mall.

Sand Tiger sharks have killed at least 40 smaller reef sharks and been aggressive towards divers at The Dubai Mall Aquarium, it was claimed on Thursday.

Divers carrying out tasks in the tank, without a cage, have had their equipment damaged and experienced minor injuries due to the behaviour of the sharks, according to UAE daily Khaleej Times.

Yousif Al Ali, general manager of The Dubai Mall, told the paper there had been some incidents at its showpiece aquarium which features 33,000 marine animals and is due to open as part of the grand opening of the mall on October 30.

"During the stages of setting up the aquarium, two cases of minor injuries were reported and were immediately attended to by the on-site medical team," Ali said.

He would not confirm the extent to which aquatic species had been affected by the sharks’ aggression but added: "It is inevitable that aquatic species die — sometimes out of natural causes or out of injuries inflicted by bigger fish species."

Sand Tiger sharks, by nature, are fish-eating. However, all sharks and other animals in the Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre at The Dubai Mall are currently on a monitored feeding schedule in order to subdue their naturally opportunistic behaviour and appetite.

The Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre features the world’s largest viewing panel and a 270-degree walkthrough tunnel. The centre will feature the world’s single largest school of sharks.

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