White-spotted Bamboo SharkHello, Frank Indiviglio here.  Sharks are not for everyone, but many marine aquarists are tempted to give them a try at some point.  Among those available in the trade, the Indo-Pacific’s white-spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) stands out as one of the best.  Two slightly larger, boldly-marked species, the brown-banded bamboo shark (C. punctatum) and the epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum), are also worth the attentions of serious fish keepers with ample room.

The Aquarium

White-spotted Bamboo Sharks are among the smallest of the regularly available species, rarely exceeding 3 feet in length when full grown.  However, they require an aquarium of at least 180 gallon capacity, and preferably larger.  Their size and diet (please see below) necessitates that the tank be well-filtered and that regular water changes are carried out.

Please do not make the mistake of believing that a small young shark can be housed indefinitely in a 40 gallon tank – these robust fishes can add 12 or more inches to their length each year!  Fertile egg cases are sometimes available in the trade, as captive breeding is fairly regular (parthenogenesis has been documented).

Shelters

Bamboo sharks are often shy when first introduced to a new aquarium, and must be provided with a cave in which to hide.  Be aware, however, that they will dig into the sand in an attempt to mold the shelter to their liking, and can in the process dislodge quite heavy items.  Rock and coral should be placed on the aquarium’s bottom, and not upon sand, so that the shark cannot burrow below and injure itself.  

Compatibility

Bamboo sharks can sometimes be housed with others of their kind, but mature males will fight.  Pairs are also difficult to maintain in the same tank, as the male may harass the female continually.  They will consume smaller tank mates and may in turn be attacked by certain other fishes, especially puffers and trigger fishes.

Diet

Brown-banded Bamboo SharkMost aquarists maintain these sharks on a rather limited diet, but ideally they should be offered a wide variety of marine animals, including fishes, shrimps, clams, sand worms, squid, scallops, crabs, conch and mussels.  Bait shops and seafood markets are good hunting ground for shark meals.  Provide whole, un-cleaned (internal organs or exoskeleton present) animals whenever possible, and remember that a small, whole animal is a more nutritious food item than is a piece of a larger animal. 

Bamboo sharks will in time learn to associate you with food.  Always use a long feeding tong to offer food or work in their aquarium, as bites can be severe.

Other Sharks

Brown-banded Bamboo Sharks and Epaulette Sharks can be maintained in a similar manner; each sometimes exceeds 4 feet in length, and so a proportionally larger aquarium is needed.

Further Reading

The Florida Museum of Natural History has posted an interesting article on bamboo sharks.

Please write in with your questions and comments. 

 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Whitespotted Bamboo shark image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by yvonne n.

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