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Dubai: A lemon shark spotted in an office aquarium too small for its size has been rescued by an employee who raised the alarm and contacted environmentalists.
The shark was successfully transferred to an aquarium at the fish market where it is being rehabilitated so it will be fit for release. Nyree-Dawn Bouwer, who works in real estate, was shocked to find the shark swimming around a small tank when her company changed premises.
"It was already there when we arrived and it didn't have much space. I think it has stunted its growth. I contacted the Emirates Diving Association and through them the shark was transferred to a bigger aquarium. I'm glad that he's gone."
Now located at the Emirates Aqua Live aquarium at Deira Fish Market, the 60-centimetre shark is learning to hunt for food again in preparation for its release back into the sea. Hamad Al Rahoomi, general manager of Emirates Aqua Live, is housing the shark in one of his tanks.
"We will transfer it back to the ocean but now we are feeding it and making sure it is healthy so it will survive. It had become used to the small tank and was hand-fed so now he has more space, he's swimming more and we are trying to teach him to catch his own fish," said Al Rahoomi.
He said the shark has put on weight and is looking good. His new feeding ritual includes either chasing and catching live fish or making him chase a dead fish on a line, dragged through the water, said Al Rahoomi.
"He should be released in two weeks maybe. He should survive in the Gulf. He belongs in the sea. As a fisherman I prefer him to be in the sea because he circles fish and pushes them from the sea into the Gulf," he said.
Lemon sharks are so called because of their light yellow colouring and make bad pets because they can grow upwards of three metres and are dangerous.
"If you have a shark in a tank for educational purposes it is better than just having him in your office or your home where no one can see him," said Al Rahoomi.
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