10/17/2009 Aquarium Diver ( Scotland ) In Aquarium

[sharkbait]

Aquarium worker bitten by shark

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Angel sharks lie in wait for unsuspecting prey
A man has been bitten by an angel shark at an aquarium in North Queensferry.

The 23-year-old staff diver suffered between 15 and 20 lacerations, each roughly a centimetre long, in the attack at Deep Sea World.

He was bitten on the hand by an angel shark, also known as a monkfish, which is usually about 5ft (1.5m) long.

The man's wounds were dressed by paramedics and he was later released. Deep Sea World has begun an investigation into the incident.

In a statement, Deep Sea World bosses said: "A member of staff had received an injury while diving in the aquarium's main ocean display.

"Initial reports would indicate the male member of staff received cuts to his hand after apparently being bitten by an angel shark - a native shark species which is also known as a monkfish.

"The member of staff was treated at the aquarium but did not require hospitalisation.

"A full investigation is currently being carried out into the incident."

The centre has been trying to raise awareness of shark conservation, as part of European Shark Week which ends on Sunday.

The angel shark is an ambush predator which lies in wait for unsuspecting prey to venture close enough before attacking them.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scot ... 312805.stm