Cool Types of Pet Sharks for an Aquarium

Along with snakes, spiders and rodents, sharks are another creature whose reputation causes immediate fear. But not all sharks are the monsters that film and television have portrayed them to be. In fact, several species of sharks are actually quite small and beautiful. In recent years, a market has developed by saltwater aquarium enthusiasts for these small sharks, sold to be kept in private homes. With a tank large enough to accommodate a shark and some hard work, there are several small bottom-feeding species available for purchase.

  1. Bamboo Sharks

    • From the genus Chiloscyllium, there are two types of bamboo sharks common in saltwater home aquariums. The brownbanded bamboo (Chiloscyllium punctatum) is characterized by striking tan and dark brown stripes when it is a juvenile. These stripes fade in adulthood. The whitespotted bamboo (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) is very similar, but with white spots as well as bands. Resembling freshwater catfish or algae-eating plecos, these sharks are nocturnal bottom-feeders and spend daylight hours hidden on the bottom of the tank or in rock crevices. A tank of at least 180 gallons is required to keep bamboo sharks, but a tank of 220 gallons is best.

    Epaulette Shark

    • In the same taxonomic order as bamboo sharks, the epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) is also nocturnal and bottom-feeding. It is distinguished by pale coloring and banded or speckled dark spots, with a large dark eye-shaped (oculus) spot above the pectoral fins. Found in Indo-Pacific waters, the epaulette can grow as large as 3 feet, and requires a tank of 180 to 220 gallons. They tend to be less frequently available, and in turn can be more expansive than bamboos.

    Coral Catshark

    • With long, thin bodies, narrow heads and cat-like eyes, the coral catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus) is another Indo-Pacific species common to marine home aquariums. A particularly beautiful species, corals have dark spotted patterns ranging from tan and brown to black and gray. Growing 2 or more feet long, the coral catshark responds well to captivity, some living to 20 years. Like bamboos, they tend to stay hidden during the day under rocks and in crevices, and need a minimum tank size of 180 gallons.

    Striped Catshark

    • The striped catshark (Poroderma africanum) is found in waters off South Africa. Sometimes called the pyjama catshark, it is distinguished by long dark stripes running from the head and down to the tail. Like its relative the coral catshark, the striped catshark has a sleek body and head and cat-like eyes, but unlike the coral, it grows to nearly 4 feet. Consequently, the minimum size tank is also larger than that of the coral, requiring at least 220 gallons.