Black Banded Cat Shark

[skibum9884]

I know this is a little off topic (not reef related), but in my FOWLR tank I have a Queen Angel, 2 tangs, and a 6"-8" black banded cat shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) I just added yesterday. The guy at Tropic Isle in Framingham said the shark would have no trouble competing for food with the tangs and angel. However, after observing its behavior (sits around alot!) I am concerned. Does anyone have any experience keeping these sharks? Also, how long would you expect it to be before it begins to feed? Thanks for you're input.

 

[G.T]

Without sounding like i am slating you as i am not, but really these sharks really need research before the purchase not after the event. what size is your tank?

 

[Mini4x]

Wow.. can get close to 4 feet..

The Black Banded Cat Shark is a bottom dwelling shark that is common in the home aquarium. It will eat any crustacean in the aquarium. It stays relatively small, but requires at least a 180 gallon or larger aquarium as an adult. It requires sand as the substrate as the abdomen is easily scratched by a coarser substrate, which may lead to an infection. It should never be exposed to copper-based medications.

Feeding may be difficult in the beginning. When first introduced into the aquarium, small pieces of cleaned squid or live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. Then it may be fed shrimp, scallops or pieces of fresh marine fish. Feeding these sharks quality foods such as whole cockle in the shell, fresh shrimp and squid, and frozen mussel are ideal.

However, because of the increased level of care required for this particular species, it has been designated as "Expert Only," and it is recommended that only the expert marine aquarist, zoo, or research institution purchase this species.

 

[Matt L.]

I would take the shark back.

If it reaches 4ft in length (or even 2ft in length!) That seems like an underestimate about it needing a 180gal aquarium (only 6ft long). Shark systems are usually in the several hundreds of gallons, or more. Of course, if you have such a tank, then there really is no problem, althoguh there is an ethical issue on keeping sharks in all but the largest aquariums.

At first glance, I'm disapointed that once again Tropic Isle is being discussed in this light here. I hope I'm wrong,

Matt

 

[Nocturnal]

I have kept sharks before. Keep an eye on the Queen, as large angels and other fish (triggers, puffers) may pick at the shark. Bamboo and Cat sharks are nocturnal animals and hunt at night. Not a very exciting animal to have in a tank veiwed with it's lights on, lol. You may want to try and feed the shark at night using tongs or what not to get the food directly to him instead of him having to battle for it. Sharks may take a while to start to feed, until it does I would try many different types of fish from your local fish market. Mine always like squid and scallops the most. Once they start feeding they will be quick to come out during the day or any time that you feed your other fish. I would feed my sharks three times a week using a wide variety of different fresh fish.
Never medicate the tank with a shark!
As stated, the shark will require a large tank. I have NEVER seen one at 4 ft. Largest I have ever seen one is about 36", but that is still a very large animal to have in a home aquaria. Is it a male or female? that also helps determine ultimate size. At 6-8" this thing was just hatched. These times are the most critical for the sharks to get them eating.
best of luck and as stated, hope you have a large tank!

 

[skibum9884]

The tank is a 175 bowfront (so i'm very close to the 180gal minimum, haha). Eventually, if this is a success I'd concider doing an extremely large shark only tank. Ultimately, I think I do possess the skills necessary to take care of this animal (I've successfully taken care of many different types of fish over the years) and seemed like a natural extention. Anyway, i guess i should just attempt feedings at night of the foods mentioned. I'll keep you posted.

 

[skibum9884]

Oh, and how can i tell if it's a male or female? i'm unsure of this.

 

[Mini4x]

Oh, and post pics ;-)

 

[Nocturnal]

Males have claspers. Females lack these. Should be a pic online somewhere. Being that it's still a baby, they may not be developed yet, so you will probably have to wait a bit.

oh, one more thing, make sure the top is secure. These animals will find a way out of the tank. Ask me how I know

 

[skibum9884]

Nocturnal, How do you know? haha, I'm guessing bad luck in the past. Also, I could pull some hermit crabs out of my reef tank and put them in there for him/her to eat at their leasure. Would this be a good idea? It seems that they eat crustaceans. Anyway, thanks for all the advice.

 

[Nocturnal]

Yeah I had one leap on me. Too late when i got home from work. Sucks, I had her for years too. You could put some hermit crabs in there, but all of mine never seem to bother them. Maybe the sharks were just too big for the tiny hermit crabs, although one of my marbled Cat Sharks took out my coral banded shrimps in short order.
Only thing I'd make sure is that the shark has plenty of cover during the day. Should help relieve the stress of the move, plus they should have a "cave" anyway.
best of luck

 

[Duds]

post some pics of it
Duds

 

[MikeG]

At 6-8" this thing was just hatched. These times are the most critical for the sharks to get them eating.
best of luck and as stated, hope you have a large tank!

I had actually seen the eggs there for a while, and was there the day after the two eggs theyhad hatched. I think it was about 3 months ago it I remember correctly.

 

[Duds]

yea I saw the eggs never saw the shark unfortuntatley
Duds