Can Sharks Be Kept In Home Aquariums?
Sharks have always intrigued people with their sleek bodies and predatory nature. The idea of keeping one in a home aquarium can be tempting, especially for marine enthusiasts. However, keeping sharks in an aquarium is no small feat—it requires careful planning, a significant financial investment, and a deep understanding of marine life. So, can sharks be kept in home aquariums? The short answer is yes, but there are many factors you must consider before diving into this unique hobby.
Types of Sharks Suitable for Home Aquariums
When it comes to keeping sharks in a home aquarium, the first step is picking the right type.
Here's a breakdown of the types of sharks that might work in a home setting.
Freshwater Sharks: Not True Sharks, But Far Easier to Keep!
Some of the easiest "sharks" to keep in home aquariums aren’t sharks at all. They’re freshwater fish with a similar body shape, and they’re much easier to care for than their saltwater counterparts. Unfortunately, although they are sharks by name, they look quite different to what people normally visualise when they hear the word ‘shark’.
Red Tail Shark
(Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)
Despite its name, the Red Tail Shark is actually a freshwater fish. It's small, typically only growing to about 6 inches, making it a perfect fit for a smaller tank.
Bala Shark
(Balantiocheilos melanopterus):
Another great option, the Bala Shark is slightly larger and more active, requiring a bit more space to swim around.
Saltwater Sharks: A Bigger Challenge
Now, if you’re set on keeping a true shark — you’re going to need to plan for a much larger tank and a lot more work.
Small Sharks for Home Aquariums: Yes, It’s Possible
When people think of sharks, they usually imagine massive creatures like the Great White. But believe it or not, there are smaller, bethnic, bottom dwelling sharks that are much more suited for home aquariums than their pelagic relatives that spend most of their time swimming in the open ocean.
Bottom Dwelling (benthic) Sharks:
Benthic sharks are shark species that spend their time on the ocean floor. They need less swimming room and often stay smaller than other species of sharks making them more suitable for an aquarium environment.
Bamboo Shark
(Chiloscyllium plagiosum)
One of the more popular species for home aquariums is the Bamboo Shark reaching about 3 feet in length.
Coral Cat Shark
(Atelomycterus marmoratus)
If you want something even smaller, the Coral Cat Shark is a great option. It grows to about 2 feet long
Epaulette Shark
(Hemiscyllium ocellatum)
The Epaulette Shark is a favorite among home aquarium enthusiasts. it only grows to about 3.5 feet.
Horn Shark
(Heterodontus francisci)
Another option for those with large tanks is the Horn Shark growing to about 4 feet.
Open Ocean Swimming (pelagic) Sharks:
Note: Palagic sharks need large areas to swim making them unsuitable almost any aquarium in a residential setting.
Blacktip Reef Shark
(Carcharhinus melanopterus)
These are one of the smallest free swimming sharks available to the aquarium trade but they can still grow to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. They inhabit coral reef areas in the wild.
For those looking to dive deeper into shark care, check out this YouTube video on shark species for home aquariums.
Size Requirements for a Shark Aquarium
When it comes to housing a shark in your home aquarium, size is everything. Let’s break down what you need to know.
Minimum Tank Sizes for Different Shark Species
Not all sharks grow to the size of a Great White, but even small shark species need a large tank.
Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum): If you're planning to keep an Epaulette Shark, you're looking at a minimum tank size of 600 gallons/2300 litres
Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum): Slightly larger than the Epaulette, the Bamboo Shark will need at least 300 gallons to live comfortably.
The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus): is an eye-catcher, but its tank needs to be 10 meters (33 feet) in width and length to give this specials ample swimming room when they reach adult size.
Filtration Needs
Now, keeping a shark isn’t just about space. The larger the tank, the larger the filtration system (life support system) you’ll need.
High-Capacity Filtration: You’ll need a filtration system that can handle the heavy bioload that comes with sharks. . A large protein skimmer, high power UV sterilizers, ozone injection, particle filtration and temperature control will all be necessary filtration components to keep your sharks healthy and happy.
Water Flow: Sharks require a well-oxygenated environment. Adding powerheads or wave-makers can help circulate the water and ensure there's enough oxygen
For more information on large scale aquarium life support systems , you can check out www.Oceanyx.com.
Shark Behavior and Compatibility
Understanding shark behavior is crucial before you introduce one into your home aquarium. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your shark feels right at home
Aggression Levels in Sharks
Sharks have a bit of a reputation, don’t they? We all think of them as aggressive, but the reality is, not all sharks are created equal when it comes to temperament.
Bamboo Sharks: These are some of the calmest sharks you’ll find.
Epaulette Sharks: Another good option if you’re looking for something a bit more active, but still not overly aggressive.
Blacktip Reef Sharks: Now, if you want a shark that’s more on the bold side, the Blacktip Reef Shark is your guy. These sharks are more aggressive and will need plenty of space
Sharks and Other Tank Mates
Let’s face it—sharks are solo artists. They usually don’t enjoy sharing their space, especially with smaller or more colorful fish that could be mistaken for dinner. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have other fish in the tank.
Fish to Avoid: Some species of butterfly fish have been reported to peck at the eyes of sharks. Butterflies should be avoided in a shark tank.
Safe Tank Mates: Instead, look for sturdy, slow-moving fish that won’t trigger the shark’s predatory instincts. Larger fish like Groupers, Lionfish, or Triggerfish can coexist with sharks
Diet and Feeding Requirements
To keep them healthy, you’ll need to provide the right type of food and follow a consistent feeding schedule.
Nutritional Needs of Aquarium Sharks
Sharks thrive on a diet that mimics what they’d eat in the wild. In a home aquarium, that means a protein-rich diet. There are a range of vitamin supplements that can be added to a sharks food to improve their health in captivity.
Fish: One of the most common staples for sharks in captivity is whole fish. They provide the protein sharks need and are easy to source.
Shrimp and Squid: Both of these are excellent choices for supplementing your shark’s diet.
Enriched Feeder Fish: Some hobbyists like to use feeder fish, but it’s important to ensure they’re properly gut-loaded (fed a nutritious diet) to provide any real benefit to the shark.
Frequency and Types of Food
Feeding your shark isn’t something you’ll do every day. Sharks have slower metabolisms compared to other fish, so they need to eat less often.
Feeding Schedule: Most sharks do best when fed about 2-3 times per week. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and even health issues
Portion Size: Sharks should be fed enough that they can eat comfortably within 5 to 10 minutes.
Variety of Foods: As mentioned earlier, variety is essential. Rotate between different types of food to ensure your shark gets all the nutrients it needs
Water Conditions for Shark Aquariums
Keeping sharks in a home aquarium isn’t just about getting the right tank or feeding them properly. The water conditions are critical to their survival and well-being.
Temperature and pH Levels
Sharks are cold-blooded creatures, meaning they rely on the temperature of their environment to regulate their body functions.
Temperature Range: For most aquarium sharks, the ideal water temperature is between 72°F and 78°F (22°C to 25°C).
PH Balance: Sharks prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH level between 7.8 and 8.4. Maintaining a stable pH is critical because drastic changes can stress your shark and affect its immune system.
Water Changes and Maintenance
Keeping sharks healthy means staying on top of water changes and general tank maintenance. Poor water quality can lead to stress, illness, and even death.
Frequency of Water Changes: A good rule of thumb is to change 10-20% of the tank water every two weeks.
Removing Toxins: Over time, toxins like ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates can build up in the tank. Testing kits can help you monitor these levels and adjust your maintenance routine as needed.
Maintaining Stable Conditions
Sharks don’t do well with rapid changes. Whether it’s a sudden drop in temperature, a spike in pH, or fluctuations in salinity, sharks need stable water conditions.
Avoid Rapid Changes: When making water changes, always add water that matches the temperature and salinity of the tank
Monitor Regularly: Invest in high-quality testing kits for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and salinity.
Common Health Issues for Aquarium Sharks
Keeping sharks in a home aquarium is both exciting and challenging, but like any pet, they can experience health problems.
Signs of Illness: What to Watch For
The first step in ensuring your shark stays healthy is recognizing the early signs of illness.
Lethargy: If your shark is spending more time at the bottom of the tank and appears to be less active than usual, this could be a sign of stress or illness.
Loss of Appetite: A healthy shark should have a consistent appetite. If your shark is refusing food or eating significantly less than normal, it could be dealing with a health issue.
Erratic Swimming Patterns: Sharks usually swim in a smooth, consistent manner. If you notice your shark swimming in circles, darting around the tank, or displaying other erratic behaviors, it may be a sign of discomfort or disorientation
Preventing Health Issues: General Tips
Many of the common health issues that sharks face can be avoided with proper care and attention to their environment.
Regular Water Changes: Make sure to change 10-20% of the water every two weeks to keep toxins like ammonia and nitrates at bay.
Monitor Water Quality: Use test kits to regularly monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and salinity levels.
Quarantine New Additions: Always quarantine new fish or coral before introducing them into your shark’s tank to prevent the spread of diseases or parasites.
Legal Considerations for Keeping Sharks
Before you take the plunge and bring a shark into your home aquarium, it’s crucial to consider the legal aspects of owning such a unique pet.
Regulations and Permits: What You Need to Know
Keeping a shark isn’t as simple as walking into a pet store and picking one out. Depending on where you live, you might need special permits to legally keep a shark in captivity
Local Regulations: Different countries, states, and even cities can have their own rules about keeping exotic animals, and sharks fall into this category. For example, in the United States, certain species of sharks are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
CITES: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement that regulates the trade of endangered species. If your shark species is on the CITES list, you may need special documentation to own or transport it.
How to Check for Local Regulations
The easiest way to find out if you need a permit or if there are restrictions in your area is to contact your local wildlife or fisheries department.
Conclusion
Keeping a shark in a home aquarium is an exciting but significant commitment. From ensuring proper tank size and water conditions to understanding legal and ethical considerations, there’s a lot to think about. By preparing thoroughly, following the regulations, and providing a healthy environment, you can enjoy the unique experience of caring for a shark while ensuring its well-being.