NEWPORT — A sand tiger shark died of a chronic kidney infection early Tuesday morning at the Newport Aquarium.

Erika Schissler, aquatic programs manager at the Newport Aquarium, looks at a sand tiger shark earlier this month. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        Aquarium spokeswoman Genine Drozd said the aquarium staff treated the 12-year-old female shark Monday night when it noticed the shark was in distress during a routine physical.

        “Despite the best efforts of our staff, it couldn't have been helped,” Ms. Drozd said.

        Marine biologists at the University of Delaware say the sand tiger shark is one of the most common sharks in public aquariums and usually lives to be about 10 years old. Most large sharks, they say, die easily in captivity.

        The sand tiger shark was one of the largest of 25 sharks in the “Surrounded by Sharks” attraction at the aquarium, measuring eight feet and weighing more than 200 pounds.

        Ms. Drozd said the aquarium has had the shark since it opened in 1999. The aquarium also has a male sand tiger shark on display and two others in a warehouse holding tank. She said the staff is considering moving one of the warehouse sharks to the aquarium's display.

        Each sand tiger shark costs about $2,500, according to the aquarium's Web site.

        The sand tiger shark has jagged teeth that give it an intimidating look. But the shark, which is commonly found in the Atlantic and western Pacific ocean floors, swims lazily until feeding time.

        A rare albino leopard shark died in 2000 when it jumped from a 500-gallon holding tank to the floor of the aquarium. It was the only albino leopard shark in captivity and the second ever on record.
       

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