National Aquarium wants you to get acquainted with sharks

The mesmerizing sharks on display in several exhibits at the National Aquarium in Baltimore are their own best advertisement for conservation: sand tiger sharks (collected off the coast of Lewes, Del.), nurse sharks, blacktop reef sharks, sandbar sharks, bonnethead sharks, smooth dogfish, whitetip reef sharks, a horn shark and a swell shark.

Around the world, more than 370 species of sharks have been counted in all colors, shapes and sizes.

Contrary to popular belief, sharks have astounding senses, including a sixth for detecting the bioelectric fields radiated by other sea creatures.

Sharks are rich in medical potential. Shark liver oil is used in hemorrhoidal medicines, and shark cartilage is used to make

artificial human skin.

Biologists at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Fla., are studying sharks' remarkable resistance to cancer and infectious diseases.

Shark Fest '93 continues through July 5 and is free with aquarium admission.

Admission: $11.50 for adults; $7.50 for children 3 to 11; $9.50 for those over 60.

Hours through May 14: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

As of May 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

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