Yes, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has sharks on display
The Shedd Aquarium houses several shark species in its exhibits. The most commonly seen are sand tiger sharks, which live in the main Caribbean Reef exhibit. You will also find sawfish — a relative of sharks with a distinctive flat snout — in the same area. The sharks at the Shedd are part of larger reef and ocean habitat displays, not isolated tanks, so you see them swimming alongside other fish and marine life.
The specific sharks on display can change as the aquarium rotates animals and updates exhibits. Before you visit, check the Shedd's website or call ahead if seeing a particular shark species is important to your trip. The staff can tell you which sharks are currently in the building and where to find them.
Key Takeaways
- Sand tiger sharks are the primary shark species at the Shedd Aquarium and live in the Caribbean Reef exhibit.
- Sawfish, which are shark relatives, are also on display in the same reef habitat.
- Sharks at the Shedd are shown in large reef environments with other marine animals, not in separate enclosures.
- The aquarium's shark collection can change, so calling ahead confirms which species are currently there.
Where to find sharks in the building
The Caribbean Reef exhibit is the main location for sharks at the Shedd. This is one of the largest and most visited sections of the aquarium, featuring a 90,000-gallon tank with a coral reef environment. The sand tiger sharks share this space with groupers, snappers, sea turtles, and rays.
The Caribbean Reef is located in the main building and is included with general admission. You do not need a separate ticket or membership to see the sharks there. The exhibit is designed so you can view the tank from multiple levels, giving you different angles of the sharks as they swim.
What the sharks look like and how they behave
Sand tiger sharks have a pointed snout, visible teeth, and a brownish-gray color. They grow to about 6 to 7 feet long in the wild, though the ones at the Shedd may vary. Despite their fierce appearance, sand tiger sharks are relatively slow swimmers and are not aggressive toward humans or other large fish in captivity.
At the Shedd, you will see them moving slowly through the reef, often near the bottom or middle of the tank. They do not chase or hunt the other fish in the exhibit — the aquarium feeds them separately. Watching them gives you a sense of how sharks move and navigate a reef environment, which is different from the fast, aggressive behavior many people expect.
Sawfish: the shark relative you might not recognize
Sawfish look nothing like typical sharks, even though they are closely related. They have a long, flat snout lined with tooth-like structures on both sides, which looks like a saw — hence the name. This snout is called a rostrum and is used to dig in the sand and detect prey using electrical sensors.
Sawfish are rarer than sharks in the wild and are considered threatened in many parts of the world. Seeing one at the Shedd is a chance to observe an animal you are unlikely to encounter elsewhere. They move slowly along the bottom of the tank and are generally peaceful in the reef environment.
Other rays and shark-like animals at the Shedd
Beyond sharks and sawfish, the Shedd has several other animals related to sharks or that look similar. Rays — which are flattened sharks — appear in multiple exhibits. You will see them gliding along the tank bottom in a way that looks almost like flying underwater.
The aquarium also displays other large predatory fish that share reef habitats with sharks, such as groupers and barracudas. These exhibits show how different species coexist in ocean environments. If you are interested in sharks specifically, ask a staff member which tanks have them — they can point you to the best viewing spots and tell you what you are seeing.
Planning your shark visit to the Shedd
The Shedd Aquarium is located at 1200 South Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, along Lake Michigan. It is open year-round, though hours change by season. General admission includes access to the Caribbean Reef exhibit where the sharks are displayed.
Crowds are typically lighter on weekday mornings and heavier on weekends and school holidays. If you want a clearer view of the sharks without pushing through crowds, plan your visit for a weekday if you can. The aquarium's website shows current hours, admission prices, and any temporary closures or exhibit changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the sharks dangerous to other fish in the tank?
No. The sand tiger sharks at the Shedd live peacefully with other fish, rays, and sea turtles in the same tank. The aquarium feeds them separately, so they do not hunt the other animals. This setup shows how sharks can coexist in reef environments without being constant predators.
Can you touch the sharks at the Shedd?
You cannot touch the sharks in the main exhibits. However, the Shedd does have touch pools in some areas where you can handle rays and other animals under staff supervision. Ask at the information desk which touch experiences are available during your visit.
What time of day are the sharks most active?
Sand tiger sharks are generally active throughout the day, though they move slowly compared to other fish. They do not have a specific feeding time on display, so you can see them at any point during your visit. Early morning visits often mean fewer crowds, which gives you a better view.
Does the Shedd have great white sharks?
No. The Shedd does not have great white sharks. Great whites are difficult to keep in captivity and require very large, specialized tanks. The sand tiger sharks and sawfish are the main shark species you will see there.
How long should I spend looking at the shark exhibit?
Most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes at the Caribbean Reef exhibit, depending on how closely they watch the sharks and read the information plaques. You can return to the exhibit multiple times during your visit if you want to spend more time observing the sharks.