Shark Reef
For an amazing and awe-inspiring look into the wonders of the ocean, customers of Las Vegas car rentals can not leave Las Vegas without touring the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. A remarkable sight to behold, this aquarium is one of the largest exhibits of its kind in North America. It encompasses nearly two million gallons of water and its depths reach to an astounding twenty-two feet. There are more than 1200 species of various aquatic life including sharks, exotic fish, sea turtles and much more.
Exotic Wildlife
Part of the appeal of Shark Reef are the settings in which the aquarium is constructed. The exotic wildlife exhibit’s setting is that of an ancient temple slowly sinking into the ocean. This display includes five golden crocodiles which are the only ones in the Western Hemisphere. Also in this section of the aquarium is a male water monitor, a cousin to the komodo dragon, that can reach sizes of up to 8 feet.
Amazon Predators
This unique exhibit provides customers of Las Vegas car rentals a glimpse into the aquatic ecosystem of the rainforest. There are many exceptional species found in this exhibit including the Silver Arrowana, also known as the “monkey fish” which can catch its prey by leaping completely out of the water. The Red-Tail Catfish has a never-ending appetite and can eat entire ducks whole! The largest fish in the Amazon, the Arapaima Gigas, is also found in this exhibit and grow up to 14 feet in length.
Piranha Exhibit
The infamous piranha lives up to its notorious reputation. The Black Piranha can grow larger than the size of a man’s hand and is capable of eating a 100 pound animal in less than a minute! The piranhas at the Shark Reef are fed a combination of frozen fish, poultry and beef heart three times a day, as they begin to eat one another when they are hungry!
Touch Pool
Once you have passed through the exotic fish exhibits, you will make your way to the second half of the aquarium through the fist tunnel, surrounded by a variety of aquatic life. A favorite part of the experience for clients of Las Vegas car rentals, is the tunnel which opens up to the “touch pool”. This is where which children and adults alike are invited to pet Southern Rays, Port Jackson Sharks and Horseshoe Crabs. Close by are tanks filled with an assortment of ocean life, including puffers, eels and a mesmerizing jellyfish display.
Set up as a sunken treasure ship, the main center of Shark Reef takes on an eerie feeling as you are made to feel surrounded by the ocean. Onlookers are surrounded by plates of glass on each side including above and below. On the other side of the glass are numerous sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, fish and more. You will breathe a sigh of relief after exiting and returning into your Las Vegas car rental.
Shark Reef Conservation
As one of the largest exhibits of its kind in North America, the Shark Reef was designed with conservation in mind. Only man-made coral is used as it is an endangered. Even the salt water is manufactured by mixing imported salt with de-chlorinated tap water. In addition, 2 million gallons of water from the Shark Reef are filtered every hour.
In keeping with the theme of education and conservation, the Shark Reef offers clients of Las Vegas car rentals a wall exhibit explaining what can be done to preserve natural habitats.
Visitor Information
The Shark Reef is open daily to patrons of Las Vegas car rentals from 10am until 11pm, with the last admission at 10pm. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 12 years old and younger, and children under 4 are admitted free.
