bamboo catshark

[RTCatz]

I see them at petshops all the time. what size of a tank do they need and are they hardy??

[thefishofdoom]

they need a 180 bare min
i have a baby right now its a awesome devil

[schulace123]

i would say 240 or even bettter 300 gal becuase they can get 4 feet long....and most tanks are not that wide

[thefishofdoom]

thats why i said 180 bare min

[schulace123]

thats why i said 180 bare min


sorry i was agreeing with u:thumbsup:

[Fishfreak218]

i say 300g minimum. .... think about it... its a 4ft animal....

[Justin_James]

The minimum requirments for one of these sharks is a 180 gallon. All the experts say this as well including Scott Michael. I recommend buying his book. "Aquarium Sharks and Rays".

One thing to get straight right off the bat is that they are "NOT" cat sharks. They are no relation what so ever. The bamboo shark comes in a few different forms including the banded, spotted, and gray. They are related to the whale shark and nurse shark.

I have two banded bamboo sharks that I hatched in my 180 acrylic tank. They are now about 10" long. Once they reach the 2 foot mark I will be upgrading to a 300 gallon even though the 180 would be perfectly fine.

They are very tough and should only be bought if you allready have the 180 gallon!

You should purchase the eggs and not sharks that are allready hatched since they will be more comfortable with you that way.

In captivity they rarley reach 4ft long. If you have a tank that is too open they will fell less secure and stress can cause harm to the animal. In the wild they live around coral rubble and stay on the bottom around the caves and rocks of the reef. They are well adapted to live around tight spaces and are very flexible. They are deffinatley suited for aquarium life with a little rock work in the center, (Cave preferably).

[AquariumChicky]

Just be sure all the rock is firmly attached in place, as they may cause the rock structures to collapse and crush them.

[Justin_James]

Just be sure all the rock is firmly attached in place, as they may cause the rock structures to collapse and crush them.

This is very, very true!!!! I use aquarium epoxy that is ment to bond live rock and corals in place. It's like putty that you kneed with your fingers and then apply. It can even be used underwater.

[Elasmofreak]

Its not a true catshark, its a bamboo shark and it only gets 30-36 inches. an adult specimen can be kept in a 180 gallon comfortably. I have a white spotted bamboo and a banded bamboo pair in a 180 and they are full grown. The white spotted bamboo stays smaller than the brown banded shark. No doubt they are very awesome predators ans great specimens. if you are limited on tank space... try a coral catshark! adult size is just over 21 inches and can be kept in much smaller tanks, such as 110-150 gallon. If your serious about trying to keep a shark or ray, read scott michael's book about sharks and rays.

[AquaScaper]

They are a very hardy fish but they will grow large enough to where you should have at least a 90 gallon or above tank to house him in. Also he will need a nice soft sand bottom with very little rock work.

[Justin_James]

I think Aquascaper is talking about the coral catshark that has been mentioned in the post before. The Bamboo shark needs 180 gallons! Nothing Less! Most important is that you have a bottom surface area of 6ft x 2ft.

[Elasmofreak]

I think Aquascaper is talking about the coral catshark that has been mentioned in the post before. The Bamboo shark needs 180 gallons! Nothing Less! Most important is that you have a bottom surface area of 6ft x 2ft.

yes. 180 gallon min for bamboo sharks! try coral catsharks! 110 gallon is the min tank size!

[thefishofdoom]

u guy are cracking me up but in truth its all true

[krj-1168]

Well - there are actually 3 members of this genus of sharks that are commonly seen in the U.S.A.

These are -

The Brownbanded Bamboo - AKA the Banded Catshark(note - it's not a true catshark), or banded Bamboo. The Brownbanded is a very hardy species, and the largest member of it's genus. While they can reach up to 40 inches in length(not 4ft), the rarely get above 3ft in length. It also should be noted that the adults lose than banded stripes, and actually look more like a small(3 ft long), tan colored, nurse shark.
Yes, the 180 gallons is the minimum tank size for this shark recommended by in Scott Micheal's book. But the really do better in a custom build 240 gallon(7ft long x 3 ft wide x 1.5ft high) or even a 300 tank.

The Whitespotted Bamboo - AKA the Marbled Cat shark(not to be confused with A. macleayi - which is the Marbled Catshark). The Whitespotted Bamboo can grow to about 3 ft in length, but usually averages about 30-32 inches in length. While they can live in tanks as small as a 150 gallon, they will do better in a 180 to 240 gallon tank.

The Grey Bamboo is the smallest of the group - with a maximum adult size of just 30 inches, and usually average about 26-27 inches. So these little guys can be kept in a 140 gallon tank. Also they are usually a bit rarer(and harder to find) than the Brownbanded or Whitespotted, but are still priced less than 150 bucks.

But the truth is for aquarium sharks - it kind of hard to beat the Bamboo sharks. All three are wonderful little sharks.

Also they have a close cousin species - called the Epaulette shark, which is fairly popular.
These sharks can grow to 3.5ft, and general require at least a 250 gallon tank.

[Elasmofreak]

Well - there are actually 3 members of this genus of sharks that are commonly seen in the U.S.A.

These are -

The Brownbanded Bamboo - AKA the Banded Catshark(note - it's not a true catshark), or banded Bamboo. The Brownbanded is a very hardy species, and the largest member of it's genus. While they can reach up to 40 inches in length(not 4ft), the rarely get above 3ft in length. It also should be noted that the adults lose than banded stripes, and actually look more like a small(3 ft long), tan colored, nurse shark.
Yes, the 180 gallons is the minimum tank size for this shark recommended by in Scott Micheal's book. But the really do better in a custom build 240 gallon(7ft long x 3 ft wide x 1.5ft high) or even a 300 tank.

The Whitespotted Bamboo - AKA the Marbled Cat shark(not to be confused with A. macleayi - which is the Marbled Catshark). The Whitespotted Bamboo can grow to about 3 ft in length, but usually averages about 30-32 inches in length. While they can live in tanks as small as a 150 gallon, they will do better in a 180 to 240 gallon tank.

The Grey Bamboo is the smallest of the group - with a maximum adult size of just 30 inches, and usually average about 26-27 inches. So these little guys can be kept in a 140 gallon tank. Also they are usually a bit rarer(and harder to find) than the Brownbanded or Whitespotted, but are still priced less than 150 bucks.

But the truth is for aquarium sharks - it kind of hard to beat the Bamboo sharks. All three are wonderful little sharks.

Also they have a close cousin species - called the Epaulette shark, which is fairly popular.
These sharks can grow to 3.5ft, and general require at least a 250 gallon tank.

If only i had your patience to type... At least somone else knows a thing or 2 about shark husbandry!

[Justin_James]

yep, it's nice to meet people that not only keep sharks but know what the heck they are talking about at the same time. I love my little girls (banded bamboos) and they even get excited when they see me walk into the room like a couple of dogs.

[krj-1168]

I've actually heard of people have a baby(about 6"-8" in length) Brownbanded in a 45 gallon(36"x 18" footprint) tank. And that's okay - so long as you move it to a much larger tank say a 180 gallon before the shark gets to be 15" long.

Also for any shark - a custom built tank(with a bigger footprint) is much better than any standard tank.

You need to remember that Scott Micheal's book Aquarium Sharks & Rays- is a great book - it also basically Shark Husbandary 101. Don't look at it as the Bible for Shark Keeping. It's great for novice shark & ray keepers, that is highly recommended for any one even thinking of keeping sharks & rays. Personally I wish I'd had it about 10 yrs ago.

But the more knowledgeable keepers - realize that most of Scott's figures for tank sizes for those species is actually on the low side(in some cases extremely low).

Jeffery Anderson's (from His article "Shark Aquarium Ethics" in the Oct. 2005 issue of Tropical Fish Hobbist Magazine) guide for figuring tank sizes for sharks is actually a much better guide for true minimums for any shark species.

And since we're talking about the Brown-banded Bamboo - I'll use it as the example.

Now realize the Brown-banded grows up to 40", but averages about 36"

Scott's minimum tank size for the Brown-banded is 7' long x 2.5' wide x 1.38' deep or about 180 gallons.

Jeffery's minimum footprint for a tank for the Brown-banded is about 7' long x 4' wide.
now if you use the depth figure from Scott's tank - you'll end up with a 290 gallon tank

[Elasmofreak]

Yes Scott def gives the minimum tank size. I am only keeping my bamboo paor in the 180 till they are big enough to go in with the others, and epauletes. There is no way i would ever keep a shark its whole life in an aquarium, with the exception of smaller catshark species. Most carpet sharks dont move around much, till night, and dont need a hell of alot of space as it is. But i usually recomend ponds/pools over tanks regardless.

[krj-1168]

I love the Bamboo Sharks - especially the Brown-banded, since it was my very first shark.

They are wonderful sharks, especially for beginner shark keepers. And yes, they are hardy- very hardy. But as most people will tell you - get a hatched & feeding juvenile - instead of the egg case.

Yes, the hatched juvenile costs more - but it will be worth it - since it will also greatly increase the odds of the pups survival.

Trying to get a recently hatched Brown-banded , to feed can be a real problem - and has cost the lives of many a bamboo pup, by novice keepers.

[Justin_James]

I was very lucky with my hatchlings. I have 2 female banded bamboo sharks that I bought from eggs since that is all that is available around my area. After hatching I waited 2 weeks before the first feeding and on the very first attempt I had both sharks eating and the rest is history. I did my homework before I jumped into keeping sharks and maybe having the knowledge on my side is what led to my success. They are growing very quickly wth 2 feedings per week of a varied diet of fresh seafoods. Once they start to reach the 2 foot mark I plan on upgrading to a 300 gallon custom tank. The only tankmates they have are some hermit crabs and a large marine betta. They all get along very well. The new tank will have rounded inside corners just like the 180 they are in now that I bought from Tenecor, it's an acrylic tank and the corners look awsome.

[Elasmofreak]

I love the Bamboo Sharks - especially the Brown-banded, since it was my very first shark.

They are wonderful sharks, especially for beginner shark keepers. And yes, they are hardy- very hardy. But as most people will tell you - get a hatched & feeding juvenile - instead of the egg case.

Yes, the hatched juvenile costs more - but it will be worth it - since it will also greatly increase the odds of the pups survival.

Trying to get a recently hatched Brown-banded , to feed can be a real problem - and has cost the lives of many a bamboo pup, by novice keepers.

Very true... I like the white spotted better myself. Probably just like you said because it was my first shark. I also think the arabian bamboo is a cool member of the genus as well. I have one in my marbled catshark pond right now, and is one of the coolest species ever! Kind of reminds me of a boxer dog! It get all excited to see me especially at feeding time, but is dumber than a box of rocks! :drool: haha! There is a much better success rate with hatched feeding juviniles, than eggs. To watch your own shark hatch from an egg is pretty priceless though i must admit! haha:D

[Elasmofreak]

I was very lucky with my hatchlings. I have 2 female banded bamboo sharks that I bought from eggs since that is all that is available around my area. After hatching I waited 2 weeks before the first feeding and on the very first attempt I had both sharks eating and the rest is history. I did my homework before I jumped into keeping sharks and maybe having the knowledge on my side is what led to my success. They are growing very quickly wth 2 feedings per week of a varied diet of fresh seafoods. Once they start to reach the 2 foot mark I plan on upgrading to a 300 gallon custom tank. The only tankmates they have are some hermit crabs and a large marine betta. They all get along very well. The new tank will have rounded inside corners just like the 180 they are in now that I bought from Tenecor, it's an acrylic tank and the corners look awsome.

Yeah i wouldnt be afraid to keep a juvinile shark in a smaller tank, but i would never be able to live with myself. They look so unhappy when you put them in tanks! To truely enjoy many species of sharks u need to keep them in ponds/pools or very large systems! I keep all my sharks in ponds, except for my juvinile bamboo pair in the 180. But that is just a grow out tank before they go in with the epaulettes'.

[krj-1168]

Bamboos(all available species) are very cool sharks. And ince they're feeding - they're also very hardy.

Personally I've sometimes be known to jokingly commit - that they're so tough - that it takes a complete novice(to saltwater fish) or a force of nature to kill them. I say this because - my Brown-banded died when my city(Raleigh,NC) was hit by Hurricane Fran(Sept 1996). Actually to be more accurate it was the power outage(that lasted for a couple of days) caused by that killed her.

I learned from that if your planning to keep saltwater fish(but especially sharks) of any kind - it's good to have a backup generator - other wise - if you have a prolonged powerage - you will be buying new fish, and burying your old ones.

[Justin_James]

Yes, A backup power supply is a must. I have a 3000 watt gas generator just for my tanks. When you look at it you pay $500 for a few fish and some live rock so why not put that into a generator to prevent loosing Thousands! :confused:

[krj-1168]

Well - I not saying that having a back-up generator for your shark tank is the only reason to have one. Because it's not.

But replacing a tank full of fish, Live rock, live sand - can also be a serious pain in the butt.
Which will likely include completely emptying the tank. So you are talking about adding salt to refill the tank to the bill.

[tfasano]

Where can I get a Grey Bamboo Shark?? Preferrably in the egg???

[krj-1168]

Haven't seen any sites that offer Gray bamboo eggs for sale.

But have seen a couple that sale gray bamboos on occasion.

[bromanlex@yahoo.com]

my bamboo shark has stopped eating and didnt even try and swim away when i touched it ive had it for six months with no problems up to now,anyone have a clue what may be wrong

[bromanlex@yahoo.com]

im having trouble with my bamboo shark can anyone help?

[chrisdef15]

Its not a true catshark, its a bamboo shark and it only gets 30-36 inches. an adult specimen can be kept in a 180 gallon comfortably.

Thats pretty crappy advice to give. Sorry to be rude but it is. How do you figure a 30-36" shark is going to be comfortable in a 24" wide tank especially once you have some LR in there?

[classclownfish]

Yeah. Though I did notice Deep Sea is now offering a 30" deep 180. Though even that would probably takes care of it for most of it's life, possibly not all. If it stays closer to 30" full grown you might be ok (mileage may vary) but if it gets up closer to 36" you'll need a bigger tank later in life. Some would say to shoot for a 220+ anyway if you want a shark that size. Everyone seems to differ on it. If they can get it into a 30" deep 180 then it'll be much happier, though if a person can get a 220 or 250 for it, then that'd be a better way to go.

Thats pretty crappy advice to give. Sorry to be rude but it is. How do you figure a 30-36" shark is going to be comfortable in a 24" wide tank especially once you have some LR in there?

[Brenden]

Brown Banded Bamboos I personally think need atleast 400+ gallons. 180 will not even come close.

[krj-1168]

Yeah an adult Brown-banded Bamboo needs at least tank - that is 4ft
wide, to live in for life.

my bamboo shark has stopped eating and didnt even try and swim away when i touched it ive had it for six months with no problems up to now, anyone have a clue what may be wrong

Occasionally sharks are known to go on periods of fasting - While this may not always be cause for concern. Sometimes there maybe causes behind the fasting which could be lead to possible health problems - such a drop in water quality, disease/parasite infections or aggressive tank mates.

Naturally you'll have to check all the options.

[Daffydanny]

Justin_James is right these sharks are really agile when it comes to rock work because I have a bamboo myself and it somehow squeezes through the toughest of rockwork

[krj-1168]

Justin_James is right these sharks are really agile when it comes to rock work because I have a bamboo myself and it somehow squeezes through the toughest of rockwork

While it's true that they can squeeze thru rockwork- a Bamboo shark should still have a tank that is wider than it is long(at it's max size). With a tank length being at least 2.5-3 times it's max length.

The still need some swimmiing room - even though it's native to tidal pools & rocky reefs.

[tgill9627]

Yes you right, I bought my shark at 12 inches just to be safe. Now it is 15 inches and looking healthy. Does any buddy have pictures of adult bamboo sharks?