THE BIG BLUE

   But the big attraction is called the Big Blue. The aquarium has 3.5 million litres, is 33 m. long and 25 m. wide. This gives us an idea of its colossal dimensions. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects for the visitor, but especially for the diver, is its depth of 8.5 m, the deepest in Europe, which will avoid us any problem of buoyancy.

   In this large pool we can attend the big show of the big sharks and the pelagic. They live together twenty copies. We highlight the bull shark or sand tiger (Carcharias taurus) with a total of six copies. Their perfect adaptation to captivity, in addition to their slow swimming and "fierce" appearance, make them perfect tenants for any aquarium.

    We can also enjoy the always nervous presence of a couple of gray sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus) and ten black tip shark (C. melanopterus), various rays fish, eagle fish and guitar fish; also numerous carangid fish, black umber and moray fish. It is a spectacle for the eyes.

SURROUNDED BY TWENTY SHARKS!

   The experience starts with a short briefing about the basic aspects of the lives of sharks and, most importantly, about how we have to behave inside the facility. At all times we will go with a safety diver to avoid any possible inconvenience.

   Much experience one has, it always causes a certain impression to get into a pool full of sharks. While we are preparing ourselves we have the opportunity to see the disturbing silhouettes of the dorsal fins of the sharks. It is a classic image that appears here in all its stark reality.

   We started the dive accompanied by our guide Fidel Careaga, head of divers. We stay at the bottom and we can enjoy the spectacle that is provided to our astonished eyes. The bull sharks go quietly along the perimeter of the tank, while the grey sharks roam the central area. We are the target of attention of the public who is waiting behind the glass.

   Gradually, the sharks trust us and get closer, especially the bull sharks. Their typical appearance, with their classic teeth protruding the jaw, makes them look spectacular in short distances. In contrast, the grey sharks are much more withdrawn and nervous.

THE OTHER INHABITANTS

   But they are not all sharks. We also can see a good representation of their relatives the ray fish. The bottom is full of different species of these animals, as well as sea eagles that surround us with their elegant flight. One of the most interesting residents of the Big Blue is the guitar fish, which mysterious swim on the bottom.

   Many more fish populate this enormous aquarium that still surprises us. Our guide tells us to follow him into a small nook where there is a decorated underwater cave. The shortage of light and the atmosphere are very well done, and we can see some of the morays that populate the tank. One more surprise of this magical environment.

MEALTIME

   Although it is not usual, we are going to share a feeding session. Here sharks are fed every day and they really have a very good menu, as we can check. Today, they are going to eat red mullets and mackerels, newly brought from the fishermen’s association and that would delight any gourmet.

   To this, a closed bucket is taken down. From it Fidel will take the fish that, for security reasons, strung on a stick, since the food is given by hand, individual by individual.

   We place ourselves at the centre of the facility, before the expectations of the visitors who are expecting a show of force and frenzy. Nothing could be further from reality. Regardless of certain nerves that our presence and our equipment can cause to them (especially the flash), the sharks seem lacking in appetence. They have to be heavily insisted.

   Gradually, the bull fishes are coming, but they still are not decided. The rays eat the tasty fish. We have to be patient, they come closer. Our guide literally walks the food in front of their jaws without success. Who would say so, since we are used to the fallacies that are often said about these animals. At last, one of the males decides and takes the fish subtly from the stick. Gradually, various specimens go through the dining room, to the delight of the expectant audience.

THE OTHER DINERS

   In contrast, the grey sharks do not approach. A bigger specimen appears and comes closer, but at the last moment it turns suddenly away from the food source. Only when Fidel leaves a fish on the bottom, it appears like a lightning and gets the trophy.

   The turn of the sharks finishes and it starts the one of the rays, which, unlike their “cousins”, they do not show any hint of shame. With an immense love, Fidel hugs them while he gives them the fish. It is a scene of true love and respect for animals that continues with the morays. They come one by one (they are more than a dozen in total) to get their daily ration, a true five star hotel.

Text and pictures: Juan Carlos García