In the last few months the Acuario in Almuñécar has had its shark population increase by a score or more, according to the aquarium management.

And no, we’re not talking about politicians taking up residence there but about the growing number of pintarroja sharks (dogfish).

Unlike virtually all other shark species, dogfish sharks possess venom which coats their dorsal spines – fortunately, this venom is only mildly toxic to humans.

“This species of shark, as opposed to the majority shark species, lays eggs rather than gives birth, which is why they require a special care here,” explained the aquarium biologist, Francisco Leva, also known as Frank “sharkbait” Leva… just joking!

Counting the eggs that they have, they think that they will be seeing about five tiny dogfish sharks hatch a month during the coming months. This means that this kind of shark is going to be the most numerous species in the municipal aquarium very soon.

So, it’s not only tourists that visit the Acuario, but marine biologists, studying this species, making the facilities a reference point in the national, natural-science community.

(News: Almunecar, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)