Raising saltwater sharks for fish tanks is a fun and challenging experience, suitable for experienced and passionate aquarists. With their impressive appearance and unique hunting behavior, sharks bring a wild and enchanting beauty to your aquarium. However, raising sharks requires careful preparation, extensive knowledge of water parameters and special care techniques. Let’s learn about saltwater sharks for fish tanks with fishtankenthusiast.com.
Saltwater sharks for fish tanks
Keeping fish in an aquarium can be very satisfying and relaxing. While marine aquariums are very popular, not everyone wants to try maintaining corals. Live fish only aquariums (FOWLR) are also very popular and allow aquarists to keep an impressive variety of fish that cannot be kept with corals. Predator aquariums are also very popular with FOWLR aquariums when considering predator aquariums, one of the most common species that comes to mind, sharks. While many shark species grow too large for most home aquariums, some smaller shark species are only a few feet long and can be kept in large to oversized aquariums.
Sharks should really only be kept by more advanced and experienced aquarists. Sharks are omnivores, and feeding will degrade your water quality, especially if you don’t have the right equipment and filtration system. You need to closely monitor the water parameters in your aquarium to prevent deadly ammonia spikes. It is also wise to keep some ideal smaller tank mates with the shark. Small fish can eat leftover food that sharks leave behind when they eat.
Most sharks prefer more open spaces with sandy substrates with little rock structure in the aquarium. If you have rock structures, make sure they are firmly secured, sharks have a tendency to rush into spaces to try to reach potential food or even search for food. Live rock helps bacteria circulate and is necessary. You want to keep as much live rock in the tank as possible to feed the beneficial bacteria. While some sharks are active during the day, almost all sharks are active at night because they hunt. Some species barely move during the day
While some species of sharks are still small and can be kept in a home aquarium, keep in mind that the required aquarium is still considered a large or very large aquarium. These sharks are considered small compared to other shark species but can still grow up to several feet in length. Some of the most commonly seen shark species in the aquarium industry include; Black Banded Cat Shark, Northern Wobbegong Shark, Epaulette Shark, Horn Shark and Nurse Shark.
Saltwater sharks for fish tanks: 5+ popular fish types
Northern Wobbegong shark
The Northern Wobbegong Shark is also known as the Carpet Shark. Their scientific name is Orectolobus wardi. Carpet sharks can grow to 49.2 inches (125 cm), so they need a large aquarium of at least 400 gallons.
The ideal water temperature for Northern Wobbegong sharks is between 72 and 82 degrees F. Northern Wobbegong sharks will eat crustaceans and cephalopods. The Northern Wobbegong shark prefers to be alone as it will attack any other tank mates present. However, if you plan to keep tank mates, increase the tank size and add other sharks.
Black-striped catfish
Also known as Cat Shark or Brown-striped Bamboo Shark, and scientifically known as Chiloscyllium punctatum. This species of shark is called the Cat Shark because the whiskers around its mouth look a lot like a cat’s whiskers. The black-striped cat shark has dark and light stripes all over its body. Even though Cat Sharks are smaller sharks, they can still grow up to 42 inches long. So, even though they are smaller, they still need an aquarium that is at least 350 gallons. This is still considered a large aquarium when it comes to home aquariums.
The optimal water temperature for Cat Sharks is between 75.2-78.8 degrees F. They typically eat crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. In aquariums, they eat shrimp, meat, small live fish and squid fillets. They are aggressive eaters and should be fed 3-4 times a week. Baby sharks should be fed more frequently as they get older; You can feed them less often.
Shoulder shark
The Epaulette shark is one of the most commonly kept shark species in the aquarium hobby. This is a slim and fast-moving shark with two spots on its pectoral fins. Epaulette sharks can be kept in smaller aquariums and kept in captivity because it makes them feel safe. They still need a larger aquarium as they need to be in an aquarium that is at least 135 gallons in size. They are bottom feeders and will forage on sandbanks, but they do not need to eat frequently as they prefer to fast for a few weeks and then feast to their heart’s content.
Horn shark
Horn sharks have a very distinctive shark appearance. Even though they only grow about 4 feet long, they require at least a 300-gallon aquarium. Horn sharks have a spike on the front of their dorsal fin that they use to protect themselves from being swallowed by larger fish.
Nurse shark
The scientific name of the nurse shark is Ginglymostoma cirratum. Their most common color is gray to brown. Nurse sharks spend a lot of time resting at the bottom of the tank, where there are strong currents. Many people think that nurse sharks are suitable for aquariums, but nurse sharks can grow up to 14 feet long. For this reason, they need a large aquarium of at least 1,400 gallons. Due to the size that nurse sharks can attain, they should only be kept in zoos and public aquariums by professionals. .
They eat cephalopods, crabs, lobsters, fish, crustaceans and perch. In the aquarium, they can eat a variety of meaty foods such as live fish, shrimp, small pieces of fish and squid.
Conclusion
Raising sharks in saltwater aquariums is not only a hobby but also a challenging journey that requires caution and patience. When properly cared for, sharks can become a special highlight, bringing vibrancy and wild beauty to your aquarium. However, aquarists should always remember that sharks are species that require special care and are not suitable for beginners. With the necessary knowledge and skills, shark keeping can become an enjoyable and worthwhile experience, bringing much joy and satisfaction to aquarium enthusiasts.
