195. Sharks in Aquariums

One of the most common inquiries in this industry is “how do I keep a shark?” This episode is about exactly that! There are a variety of “doable” shark species for home aquariums – none of which will be easy – but they sure do make some amazing pets. Ben, Amy, and Charles discuss a variety of shark species from the genera chiloscyllium, hemiscyllium, and atelomycterus. Bamboo, epaulette, and cat sharks are intelligent and complex animals, and their care should not be understated. They require large enclosures, lots of maintenance, regular enchrichment, and diverse diets. If you’re not willing to provide this level of care for the duration of their lives, consider enjoying them in public aquariums instead! (Or stop by and enjoy our resident sharks!)

 

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Species mentioned in this episode:

• Chiloscyllium
  • Chiloscyllium arabicum (Arabian carpetshark)
  • Chiloscyllium burmensis (Burmese bamboo shark)
  • Chiloscyllium griseum (grey bamboo shark)
  • Chiloscyllium hasselti (Hasselt’s bamboo shark)
  • Chiloscyllium indicum (slender bamboo shark)
  • Chiloscyllium plagiosum (white-spotted bamboo shark)
  • Chiloscyllium punctatum  (brown-banded bamboo shark)

• Hemiscyllium
  • Hemiscyllium freycineti (Indonesian speckled carpetshark)
  • Hemiscyllium galei (Cenderwasih epaulette shark)
  • Hemiscyllium hallstromi (Papuan epaulette shark)
  • Hemiscyllium halmahera (Halmahera epaulette shark)
  • Hemiscyllium henryi (Henry’s epaulette shark)
  • Hemiscyllium michaeli (Milne Bay epaulette shark)
  • Hemiscyllium ocellatum (epaulette shark)
  • Hemiscyllium strahani (hooded carpetshark)
  • Hemiscyllium trispeculare (speckled carpetshark)
  • Hemiscyllium sp. Not yet described (Seychelles carpetshark)

• Atelomycterus
  • Atelomycterus baliensis (Bali catshark)
  • Atelomycterus erdmanni (spotted-belly catshark)
  • Atelomycterus fasciatus (banded sand catshark)
  • Atelomycterus macleayi (Australian marbled catshark)
  • Atelomycterus marmoratus (coral catshark)
  • Atelomycterus marnkalha (eastern banded catshark)

• Orectolobidae
  • Orectolobus wardi (northern wobbegong)