ABSTRACT
Marine fishes and sharks are often the main feature of public aquariums and can also be found in zoos. Popular taxonomic orders include Perciformes (a huge taxonomic group including the angelfish and relatives), Kurtiformes (cardinalfish and nurseryfish), Syngnathiformes (seahorses and relatives), Anguilliformes (eels and morays), Carcharhiniformes (catsharks and relatives), Lamniformes (sand sharks and relatives), and Myliobatiformes (stingrays and relatives). Marine species are anatomically, physiologically, and behaviourally diverse, adapted to complex habitats; therefore, ex-situ population management requires an understanding of important abiotic and biotic factors. Captive breeding can be difficult, particularly for species that have a pelagic larval phase, resulting in a significant proportion of exhibited individuals being wild caught. This chapter explores behaviours and adaptations of key marine fish and shark species, and shows how this should inform exhibit design, species selection, husbandry, and enhance reproductive success. Additionally, it explores welfare indicators and how enrichment can be utilised to enhance the welfare state of captive marine fishes and sharks.
