New 'Surrounded by the Sharks' exhibit to open at Newport Aquarium

NEWPORT, Ky. - The new “Surrounded by the Sharks” exhibit at Newport Aquarium opens to the public Saturday.

The showcase features the world’s largest shark ray on display.

In 2005, the Newport Aquarium acquired its first shark ray, Sweat Pea, and has since added three others, Scooter, Sunshine and Spike.

A shark ray breeding programs is also underway at the facility.

The name "shark ray" (Rhina ancylostoma) alludes to the appearance of the creature. The front section is broad like a ray with prehistoric ridges along the head, while the back section resembles a shark with dual dorsal fins.

"Like sharks and rays, they have a skeleton made of cartilage. A Shark Ray’s mouth is equipped with very strong jaws that are covered in small rounded teeth. The strong jaw and teeth are extremely effective in crushing the hard shells of animals such as crabs and lobsters, their favorite foods," according to the Newport Aquarium website .

You can find out more information about the exhibit, the aquarium or the individual shark rays by visiting the Newport Aquarium website at http://ow.ly/jgO7v