The Monterey Bay Aquarium's 20th anniversary year will culminate in April with the debut of a new exhibit: "Sharks: Myth and Mystery."

Designed to alleviate myths and alert the public to some of the endangered shark species, the exhibit will include nearly two-dozen living species, along with the rich cultural traditions they inspire, the aquarium said.

The marine predators are revered as gods by Pacific Islanders but reviled as monsters in contemporary Western cultures, thanks in part to films such as "Jaws," aquarium shark experts say.

"Sharks: Myth and Mystery" will include some of the largest live-animal displays the aquarium has ever created for a special exhibition.

It also will explore how people around the world celebrate sharks and rays through art, dance, stories and other traditions.

"Sharks and rays are part of the world's cultural heritage," said exhibit developer Ava Ferguson. "We've designed 'Sharks: Myth and Mystery' to immerse visitors in this rich heritage and to challenge some of the stereotypes people might hold about these incredible animals."

The exhibit will feature Galapagos sharks, a common tropical species that's never been on public display outside Hawaii, along with coral catsharks, zebra sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, southern stingrays, pajama catsharks, puffadder shysharks, freshwater river rays and more.

One tropical reef exhibit will hold nearly 20,000 gallons of water. Only the four biggest permanent displays at the aquarium are larger.

Visitors to the new exhibit will wind through seven galleries, each filled with music, stories or art and each exploring a different cultural perspective on sharks and rays.