NEWPORT, Ky. — The Newport Aquarium announced Wednesday that it has welcomed three new sand tiger sharks to its mix. 

There are two males and one female, and the visitors can see them in the Surrounded by Sharks Exhibit. 

Sand tiger sharks are nearly 7-feet long and have wide, toothy grins. While they may look intimidating, the aquarium said they are known to be relatively docile, eating mainly fish, lobster and some rays. 

They are usually found in shallow bays and inshore tropical waters. Many have been spotted circling shipwrecks off the coast of the eastern U.S. Like many sharks, rising seas, shark finning and other man-made problems are posing a threat to their existence. This threat is elevated by their lower rates of reproduction, leaving them vulnerable worldwide. They are critically endangered in some parts of the world.

In the exhibit, they will be joined by the black tip reef sharks and beloved shark rays, Sweet Pea, Sunshine and Scooter.

"Newport Aquarium, in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, will be studying the sand tiger shark species to help contribute to global education and conservation efforts," the facility wrote in a press release. "The aquarium and sand tiger sharks are part of AZA’s Species Survival Plan, which allows biologists to learn and share information about the animals and aid in sustainable reproduction."

In addition, the aquarium is asking the public to help name the sharks. Suggestions will be accepted through the end of the year.