How to Be Shark Aquarist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 24, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Shark aquarists are responsible for the care and maintenance of sharks in captivity. They play an important role in promoting public awareness of sharks and their importance in the ocean environment. The aquarists' duties include feeding the sharks, monitoring their health, cleaning the aquarium tanks, and providing a safe, healthy environment for the animals.

In addition, they must ensure that the sharks are being monitored and handled appropriately. By taking proper care of the sharks, the aquarists can increase the life expectancy and overall health of the animals. The positive effects of having a well-trained shark aquarist include a healthier shark population and a greater understanding of these animals by the public.

Furthermore, the presence of a shark aquarist can help to reduce the risks associated with human-shark interactions and increase the chances of a successful release if a shark is ever caught accidentally.

Steps How to Become

Earn a College Degree. Obtaining a college degree in marine biology, biology, zoology, or another related field is the first step to becoming a Shark Aquarist. A degree will provide you with a foundation in the basics of marine biology and the knowledge you need to understand and care for sharks.
Gain Experience Working with Sharks. Find a job where you can gain experience working with sharks. This could include volunteering or working at an aquarium, zoo, or research lab that focuses on sharks. Gaining hands-on experience with shark husbandry will give you a better understanding of the species and how to care for them.
Pursue Advanced Education. Pursue advanced education and certifications related to shark husbandry. This could include enrolling in courses related to shark biology, behavior, and husbandry. Additionally, look into courses related to aquarium operations, fish health management, and water quality testing.
Become Certified. Consider pursuing certification from a professional organization such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This certification demonstrates your expertise in shark husbandry and aquarium operations.
Continue Your Education. As a Shark Aquarist, it is important that you stay up to date with the latest research and advancements related to shark husbandry. Consider attending conferences and seminars, reading scientific literature, and taking additional courses to stay abreast of the current knowledge in the field.

Having an ideal and competent shark aquarist is essential for the success of any shark-related aquarium. An aquarist requires a comprehensive knowledge of shark anatomy, physiology, behavior, and husbandry in order to properly care for these creatures. Furthermore, it is important for an aquarist to understand the relationships between the different species of sharks, and the environmental factors that can influence their health and well-being.

a successful aquarist must have the ability to identify signs of illness and distress in sharks, as well as the ability to maintain a healthy aquarium environment. Finally, a successful aquarist must be able to maintain accurate records of shark care and monitoring, in order to ensure that all sharks are receiving the best possible care. By having an ideal and competent shark aquarist, aquariums can ensure that all sharks are healthy and thriving in their environment.

You may want to check Shark Finning Technician, Hammerhead Shark Tracker, and Spiny Dogfish Researcher for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and maintain an understanding of the biology, behavior, and health of sharks in captivity.
Design, construct, and maintain marine environments to ensure the well-being of sharks.
Monitor sharks in captivity to detect signs of stress and illness.
Conduct research on shark behavior and ecology.
Administer food and medication to sharks as necessary.
Educate the public on shark conservation and ecology.
Develop and implement educational programs about sharks for aquarium visitors.
Monitor water quality and adjust filtration systems as needed.
Keep records of shark behavior, diet, and health.
Collaborate with other professionals in the field to advance conservation efforts.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of marine biology and ecology
Familiarity with shark species
Knowledge of shark anatomy and physiology
Understanding of shark behavior
Ability to provide appropriate nutrition and care for sharks
Proficiency in water quality testing and monitoring
Understanding of water chemistry principles
Ability to recognize signs of illness and distress in sharks
Experience in shark handling and restraint
Ability to safely and humanely euthanize sharks
Knowledge of aquaculture and husbandry principles
Understanding of aquarium systems and infrastructure
Knowledge of aquarium filtration and cleaning systems
Ability to perform routine maintenance on aquarium systems
Understanding of species-specific husbandry requirements
Ability to identify parasites and other potential health hazards
Knowledge of safety protocols for working with sharks
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
Ability to work with diverse groups of people

Shark aquarists must have a number of important skills in order to be successful. First and foremost, they must possess a good understanding of the behavior and physiology of marine life, as well as the ecosystems in which they live. They must also be able to identify potential health issues and develop strategies for managing them.

aquarists must have excellent problem-solving skills to be able to identify and solve any issues that may arise with the aquarium or the animals living in it. They must also have strong organizational and communication skills, as they are often responsible for maintaining records and communicating with other staff members. Finally, shark aquarists must have great patience and commitment, as they must be able to dedicate time and energy to their job each day.

All of these skills are essential for successful shark aquarists.

Shark Fin Collector, Shark Researcher, and Shark Fin Packager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of aquarist?
What challenges have you faced in the field of aquarist?
How have you handled difficult situations in the past?
How familiar are you with the different species of sharks?
What methods do you use to monitor and maintain the health of the shark population?
What do you know about shark behavior and ecology?
What strategies would you use to ensure the safety of visitors to the aquarium?
How would you handle any unexpected events such as a medical emergency with one of the animals?
Are you comfortable working with large and potentially dangerous animals?
How do you handle conflicts with co-workers/ visitors/ visitors families/ other staff?

Common Tools in Industry

Aquarium Maintenance Equipment. Equipment used to clean, maintain, and repair aquariums, such as fish nets, filters, vacuums, powerheads, and air pumps (eg: A powerhead is a small submersible pump used to move water around in an aquarium).
Water Testing Kits. Kits used to test the water parameters in an aquarium, such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels (eg: A pH testing kit uses special reagents to measure the acidity or alkalinity of aquarium water).
Fish Identification Guides. Guides used to identify various types of fish, including size, color, shape, and habitat preferences (eg: A field guide to freshwater fish can help a Shark Aquarist quickly identify a species of fish).
Aquatic Plant Care Supplies. Supplies used to care for aquatic plants, such as fertilizer, pruning shears, and pots (eg: A fertilizer tablet can provide the nutrients needed to keep aquatic plants healthy).
Breeding Supplies. Supplies used to breed fish, such as breeding traps and incubators (eg: An artificial incubator can provide a controlled environment for hatching eggs).
Coral Propagation Tools. Tools used to propagate corals, such as propagation racks and fragging knives (eg: A fragging knife is used to cut soft corals into pieces that can be attached to rocks or other surfaces).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)
World Aquaculture Society (WAS)
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH)
American Fisheries Society (AFS)
International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA)
International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM)
Aquarium Council (AC)
Marine Aquarium Societies of North America (MASNA)
International Association of Fish Inspectors & Fish Farmers (IAFFF)
International Union for Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources (IUCN)

We also have Shark Behaviorist, Tiger Shark Tracker, and Shark Diver jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aquaculture. The cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and plants in controlled environments.
Aquarium. A container designed to contain and maintain aquatic organisms.
Aquascaping. The art of arranging aquatic plants, rocks, and driftwood in an aquarium.
Coral Reef. A type of ecosystem found in shallow, tropical marine environments, composed of coral and other organisms.
Filtration System. A device used to remove debris and toxic substances from aquarium water.
Marine Biology. The study of marine organisms, their behaviors, and their interactions with the environment.
Marine Habitat. The natural environment in which a particular species of marine organism lives.
Marine Life. All organisms living in the oceans, from microscopic plankton to large whales.
Saltwater Aquarium. An aquarium containing water with a high salt content, suitable for keeping saltwater fish and corals.
Water Quality. The physical, chemical, and biological properties of water, which affect its suitability for various uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Shark Aquarist? A1: A Shark Aquarist is a professional who specializes in the care and maintenance of sharks in aquariums. They are responsible for providing the sharks with a clean and healthy environment, as well as monitoring their health and behavior. Q2: What qualifications are required to become a Shark Aquarist? A2: To become a Shark Aquarist, individuals must have a Bachelors degree in Marine Biology or a related field, as well as experience in aquarium care and husbandry. They must also be certified in First Aid, CPR, and other water safety techniques. Q3: What does a Shark Aquarist do? A3: A Shark Aquarist is responsible for the day-to-day care and maintenance of sharks in aquariums. This includes preparing meals, performing water quality tests, monitoring shark behavior, administering medication, and performing general maintenance of the aquarium. Q4: How many sharks can an Aquarist care for? A4: The number of sharks an Aquarist can care for will depend on the size of the aquarium and the experience of the Aquarist. Generally, an experienced Aquarist can care for up to 20 sharks in a large aquarium. Q5: What are some of the dangers associated with being a Shark Aquarist? A5: Shark Aquarists face several potential dangers while caring for their charges. These include potential bites or scratches from the sharks, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and potential infections from contaminated water. It is important for Shark Aquarists to take proper safety precautions at all times.

Web Resources

Sharks for the Aquarium and Considerations for Their Selection edis.ifas.ufl.edu
Shark Studies The University of Rhode Island - uri.edu www.uri.edu
Shark Shores | Birch Aquarium at Scripps aquarium.ucsd.edu