About Sharks as Pets

Warning

• While pet sharks are not known to be deadly to their owners, they can bite and cause significant injury. It is also best to own only a single shark, as multiple sharks will fight with one another. However, they will generally not attack other fish.

  Though they have the capacity to be fierce, sharks are far from invincible. They will require special care in order to survive and thrive as pets.

Prevention/Solution

• A pet shark should be purchased when it is young and still adaptable, as older sharks will often be shocked by being moved. Sharks also have special requirements regarding aquariums. A pet shark will require a very large tank -- 50 gallons or more. Some sharks will require fresh water, while others will need a saltwater aquarium setup. The wrong type of water will result in the shark's death, so be sure you know what you're getting and how to maintain its environment. It is also important to maintain the cleanliness and temperature of the water, which should be between 75-80 degrees.

Prevention/Solution

• Your shark's aquarium should be covered and accessorized with a thin bottom layer of gravel and some caves or other hiding places. All such items need to be kept clean, as will the aquarium itself.

Expert Insight

• While it is important to read up on the proper care of your pet shark, no amount of research will be as valuable as finding an experienced pet seller/breeder. It is not advisable to buy a shark over the Internet.

Considerations

• Consult your breeder regarding the appropriate feeding of your shark. Unlike other pets, sharks do best when their diet is varied. Pet sharks are fed flake fish food and seafood such as shrimp or crab.