Mandalay Bay aquarist says sharks eat better than Las Vegas Strip tourists

In Las Vegas, where high-rollers chase five-star dining and buffet lines are almost a sport, it turns out the real VIP diners are the sharks.

At Mandalay Bay Resort, big fish are feeding on a mix of mackerel, herring, blue runners and sardines, according to The Associated Press (AP).

Becky O’Brien, the casino’s head aquarist, told the AP she feeds 15 species of sharks three times a week.

AMERICANS ARE PURSUING FOOD VALUE BUFFETS ARE RETURNING TO THE OLD ERA: ‘FINANCIAL GENIUS’

“I’d say they eat better than the tourists on the Strip,” O’Brien said.

There is a 1.3 million gallon tank in Mandalay Bay that holds 3,400 animals. Since 2000, the resort and casino have attracted more than 21 million visitors.

Sharks are omnivorous, eating meat and plants; but they have also been known to eat anything, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

O’Brien said that there are more than 300 kilos of fish in the aquarium in a week and that vitamins are hidden in the food.

If sharks refuse food, he said, it could be a sign they have illness or are interested in mating.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

“When you start working with these guys on a daily basis, you learn the little nuances of how they each eat a little differently,” O’Brien said.

“Every species is a little different,” he added.

“I’d say they eat better than the tourists on the Strip,” said Mandalay Bay Resort’s Becky O’Brien (pictured). (AP Photo/John Locher)

Las Vegas is famous for its casinos, but it also has an impressive dining scene highlighted by upscale eateries and five-star restaurants. Still, many tourists pointed out that the prices in the city are high.

Fox News Digital previously spoke with a woman named Sarah from Staten Island, New York, who was visiting Vegas.

CLICK FOR MORE LIFE STORIES

“[Vegas] Price-wise, it’s changed tremendously,” he said. “It’s a little crazy, but dinners are like $1,000, it’s crazy. “They need to step back a little bit and if they do that I think they’ll get more tourism.”

There is a 1.3 million gallon tank in Mandalay Bay that holds 3,400 animals. (AP Photo/John Locher)

“If you’re looking for a bottle of wine, you’d have to pay at least $2,000 a night for a good bottle of wine,” said Craig, also from Staten Island.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“Pawn Stars” boss Rick Harrison Lately He called the $1,000 steak “the most ridiculous thing in the world.”

“I’m not going to fall for the gimmicks,” he said, noting that there are still places where you can get a “good American steak” for $50 to $80.

CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION

The Associated Press contributed reporting.