I work at a LFS and I have a regular saltwater customer that has been raising sharks for about 5 years now, and is in the position to build an extremely large pond for a new aquistion. In large we are talking about a 50,000 to 75,000 gallon tank. My question is he came to me yesterday asking about aquiring a Hammerhead pup. I do not claim to be well versed in the care of sharks as my specialty is reef fish, freshwater, reptiles, and small and furry. So can anyone tell me whether this is an importable shark, and if it is what types of permits and such would he need to aquire in order to obtain one. The tank would be made to be an indoor swimming pool type of addition to his house. He is financially capable of creating whatever the needed habitat is and has the experience to manage something of this magnitude in my opinion, which probally does not hold much credit due to my lack of experience with sharks. Any input would be appreciated including blunt this is a bad idea advice. He does not want to aquire something that will only be hurt as a result of keeping it.
Question about Hammerheads
- Thread starter mtnkngxt
- Start date
ok I found some material and Well talk about putting your fut in your mouth. Ok so somewhere around 500,000 gallons might be close to being enough I'm thinking now. Which I think is a little out of his range. So anyone have any ideas about what types of sharks he could keep in say a 75,000 gallon tank.
if it can be done at the zoo, and is within the limits of the law...
u know where u see the bull sharks sometimes the the aquarium, how many gallons in the enclosure is that? 500 000? less? perhaps hammerheads need more space kinda explaining why u dont see them etc.
u know where u see the bull sharks sometimes the the aquarium, how many gallons in the enclosure is that? 500 000? less? perhaps hammerheads need more space kinda explaining why u dont see them etc.
Size is fairly limiting with sharks. But its more the foot print than the total gallons with 99% of sharks.
If he is hooked on hammers, you could do a Bonnethead tank. They aren't TRUE hammers, but they look the part. To mix with them, you could pull of some Atlantic Sharpnose or black tips (Pacific or Atlantic) as well.
Anything bigger than that and I'd say you are looking at more than triple the size. When you get into bulls, nurse, browns - well, anything that needs room, you really must have the horizontal space to offer them. That also means large steps as far as the life support set up as well.
Keep asking questions, though. I'm sure we can help you out.
If he is hooked on hammers, you could do a Bonnethead tank. They aren't TRUE hammers, but they look the part. To mix with them, you could pull of some Atlantic Sharpnose or black tips (Pacific or Atlantic) as well.
Anything bigger than that and I'd say you are looking at more than triple the size. When you get into bulls, nurse, browns - well, anything that needs room, you really must have the horizontal space to offer them. That also means large steps as far as the life support set up as well.
Keep asking questions, though. I'm sure we can help you out.
I think the customer is going to go a different route with this idea. Im not sure but if he does decide to go the bonnethead route Ill be back to ask some more questions. I keep mainly Bala Sharks in my 210.
Tend to agree with Matt(Zoodiver) - here.
It's wonder your customer has 5 years experience in keeping sharks.
And a 50,000-75,000 gallon Lagoon/tank for sharks - is a very serious and major untaking of financial resources. The last thing - your customer needs is to select the wrong species.
Like Matt said - if he's dead set on a hammerhead species - go with the Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) - they stay fairly small - about 4-5' long, and can be kept in small groups in lagoons (over 20,000 gallons).
Also other good choices for potential tank mates -
- the Atlantic Sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) - similar size, & from the same area.
- The Dusky Smoothhound (Mustelus canis) AKA Smooth Dogfish - again similar size & same local.
- Blacktip Reef(Carcharhinus melanopterus) - reachs just 6', and one of the few requiems that adapts well to captivity. Note: I wouldn't recommend the "Atlantic" Blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus) - since this species doesn't adapt well to captivity, can grow to 8' or more, and has been known to eat smaller sharks - Including Bonnetheads & Sharpnoses.
It's wonder your customer has 5 years experience in keeping sharks.
And a 50,000-75,000 gallon Lagoon/tank for sharks - is a very serious and major untaking of financial resources. The last thing - your customer needs is to select the wrong species.
Like Matt said - if he's dead set on a hammerhead species - go with the Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) - they stay fairly small - about 4-5' long, and can be kept in small groups in lagoons (over 20,000 gallons).
Also other good choices for potential tank mates -
- the Atlantic Sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) - similar size, & from the same area.
- The Dusky Smoothhound (Mustelus canis) AKA Smooth Dogfish - again similar size & same local.
- Blacktip Reef(Carcharhinus melanopterus) - reachs just 6', and one of the few requiems that adapts well to captivity. Note: I wouldn't recommend the "Atlantic" Blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus) - since this species doesn't adapt well to captivity, can grow to 8' or more, and has been known to eat smaller sharks - Including Bonnetheads & Sharpnoses.