Meet Our Sharky Neighbors
Sixgill Sharks in Des Moines, Washington: Why It's the Sixgill Shark Capital of the World
Des Moines, Washington is known as the Sixgill Shark Capital of the World because Redondo Beach is one of the best places anywhere to see rare bluntnose sixgill sharks. These ancient deep-sea sharks are regularly spotted by scuba divers in Puget Sound, making this waterfront community a unique destination for marine wildlife enthusiasts.
These deep-sea predators, which can grow to be nearly 20 feet long and weigh 1,000 lbs (!), typically stay far away from the shore. However, juvenile sixgill sharks have been spotted by scuba divers at Redondo Beach, a public beach on Puget Sound, for decades. It's become such a well-known phenomenon that Des Moines has embraced its reputation as the "Sixgill Shark Capital of the World."
What are Bluntnose Sixill Sharks?
Bluntnose sixgill sharks are one of the world's largest and most ancient shark species. Though they usually dwell in the ocean's depths, they come into scuba diver depths at certain times of year. Divers love them for several reasons: in addition to being non-aggressive, they move relatively slowly, as many deep-water animals do to conserve energy. This allows enough time to appreciate the sight and even snap a photo.
"They just kind of meander along, so as a diver, having one swim by you is just awesome," says Rus Higley, Director of Highline College’s MaST Center Aquarium. "The sharks will come up and literally ‘boop’ you with their noses."
What sets them apart from other sharks:
Blunt nose: Unlike the pointed snouts of great white sharks, they have a broad, rounded snout.
Six gill slits: Most sharks have five gill slits, but bluntnose sixgills have six, a primitive trait that has changed little over millions of years.
No fin: You won't see that famous Jaws-style fin lurking above water because sixgill sharks don't have them.
Some other notable facts:
- They can grow to 16–18 feet long, though the sharks seen in Puget Sound tend to be smaller (typically between 3 and 6 feet, and up to 500 lbs).
- They're considered living fossils because they've changed very little since before dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
- They're primarily nocturnal, often moving into shallower waters at night to hunt.
- They inhabit deep oceans worldwide, usually at depths of several hundred to several thousand feet.
- Their diet includes fish, rays, crustaceans, and the carcasses of marine mammals that have drifted to the ocean's floor.
"The sharks will come up and literally ‘boop’ you with their noses."
- Rus Higley, Director of Highline College’s MaST Center Aquarium
Why is Des Moines the Best Place to See Sixgill Sharks?
“Des Moines is the Sixgill Shark Capital of the World because it’s one of the best - if not the best - places in the world to see this incredible animal," says Higley.
While sixgill sharks live in oceans throughout the world, Redondo Beach is believed to be a nursery where young sharks hang out for several years until growing larger and leaving. They likely come to this area because they love deep waters, and it has an underwater slope that drops quickly from 25 to 100 feet.
This is all speculation, however. No one can say for sure what brings them to our corner of the ocean. Whatever the reason, we're happy to welcome them!
Are Sixgill Sharks Dangerous?
If you're worried about getting attacked by a sixgill shark at Redondo Beach, you should know that bluntnose sixgill sharks are considered low risk to people. In fact, there has never been a shark attack in Puget Sound, and a bluntnose sixgill shark has never attacked any human unprovoked. Moreover, pretty much the only people who see them are scuba divers, who are usually excited about the sight.
Here are some more reasons to breathe easy:
- They like to swim far below the ocean's surface, between 60 and 100 feet deep.
- Most sightings happen at night.
- Many divers have reported swimming near them safely (granted, people should not intentionally touch them).
Celebrate Sixgill Sharks at Annual Shark in the Park Event
How to See Sixgill Sharks Up Close
The best way to see a sixgill shark in the wild is to go scuba diving. Check out our Guide to Scuba Diving in Seattle Southside, which includes information on how to get started, where to buy gear, and where to dive.
Beginner courses are generally offered through two local diving shops in Des Moines: Eight Diving and TL Sea Diving.
While swimming in Puget Sound may seem intimidating, divers say it offers some of the most fascinating marine wildlife viewing on Earth. Many local divers are so into it that they take the plunge weekly, even in winter. You'll likely find a welcoming community if you take a course and join a group dive.
Where to Learn More About Puget Sound's Marine Life
Highline College's MaST Center Aquarium, which is located right on a pier at Redondo Beach, has helped generations of locals and visitors learn about and appreciate Puget Sound's marine life. While it is primarily a teaching lab, it is open to the public on free Discovery Days every Saturday year-round. Check out hundreds of native species that live in the aquarium's "flowthrough" seawater tanks, including jellyfish, sea stars, and even tiny octopuses! There's a touch tank where you can (gently) feel anemones, and knowledgeable guides to help explain what you're seeing.
Discovery Days are so popular that lines can get long in the summer, so come early, bring snacks, and enjoy the excuse to soak in the sea air and sweeping views. If you look carefully towards the beach and water, you might spot other marine mammals such as seals, otters, sea lions, and even porpoise fins in the distance.
Watch: Fun Facts About Sixgill Sharks
We trekked down to Redondo Beach to quiz beachgoers about how much they know about this famed sea creature. See how many answers you can get right!
MaST Center Aquarium Webcam
A webcame under the sea at Redondo captuers marine life swimming by. Check it out...you never know what you might spot!
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