Nutrition and nutritional background of captive benthic sharks: theory, practice and establishment of a basic feeding program; Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden

Abstract

One of the most important factors when keeping shark species in captivity is the creation of an adapted and correct feeding plan, as it is fundamental for their health and survival. Studies in this field were carried mainly on teleosts, assuming that elasmobranchs possess similar nutritional requirements. Unfortunately, no clear data can be found in the literature about the optimal diet for sharks, and it was assumed that it should be as similar as the diet found in the wild. It made it then extremely difficult for aquarists to decide the quantity, quality, types of food and supplementation that the captive sharks should receive.