Can anyone tell me what they know about Scalloped bonnetheads in captivity. From what I can tell they are the smallest sharks that have that cool shark look. At .9 meters they seem a little more praticle alternative to a normal bonnethead or a black tip reef shark.
Scalloped Bonnetheads, any one ever kept one?
- Thread starter EconPhd
- Start date
Scalloped hammerheads and Bonnetheads are two different types.
Scalloped hammers get too big for even most public aquariums. Bonnets however do stay 'small' compared to other hammerheads, but still not a LOT of room. They'll get five feet or so fully grown. Best way to keep them is in groups. They tend to school a bit when younger, and the security offered by having several together makes feeding a LOT easier. A diet composed of chopped fish, squid and shrimp is fairly easy to provide. The tank should be free of corners, or minimal corners at best. I like sandy bottoms and nice open swimming areas. Get animals that are still pups, and eating well already. Be aware that most are wild caught, so you'll need to treat them for internal/external parasites. Avoid a lot of rock/decor obstructions. Eye injuries are a common problem we face. And be mindful of them being highly sensative to metal in or near the water (as in both diluted contamination and during tank construction).
Scalloped hammers get too big for even most public aquariums. Bonnets however do stay 'small' compared to other hammerheads, but still not a LOT of room. They'll get five feet or so fully grown. Best way to keep them is in groups. They tend to school a bit when younger, and the security offered by having several together makes feeding a LOT easier. A diet composed of chopped fish, squid and shrimp is fairly easy to provide. The tank should be free of corners, or minimal corners at best. I like sandy bottoms and nice open swimming areas. Get animals that are still pups, and eating well already. Be aware that most are wild caught, so you'll need to treat them for internal/external parasites. Avoid a lot of rock/decor obstructions. Eye injuries are a common problem we face. And be mindful of them being highly sensative to metal in or near the water (as in both diluted contamination and during tank construction).
The species you referenced (S. corona) is different than the Bonnethead (S. tiburo) commonly available in the trade. I have never seen an S. corona. I have kept S. tiburo on numerous occasions and find that they are relatively hardy. Space is the issue as these sharks need room to swim. If you could obtain S. corona I would assume the same rules apply. If you can provide adequate space then the next step would be husbandry. If you don't have lots of experience keeping these types of sharks then you may want to try something a little more simple to build experience. I'm not trying to discourage you, just save you some money and heartache. The last Bonnethead (S. tiburo) I kept was 2 years ago and lived in my tank for two years. It was doing very well until one day I got lazy/stupid and did not remove the tails from some shrimp I was feeding to the sharks. The bonnet ate the shrimp and turned a very dark color the next day. The day after that it was dead. As it turns out, the shrimp's tail (which is very sharp) had punctured the stomach lining. Just one of those unlucky and unfortunate things that could have been avoided. Anyway, if you're serious about keeping a Bonnet I would go for S. tiburo as they are easier to obtain. Good luck.
The Scalloped Bonnethead or Mallethead (S. corona) is not a very well understood species. So until more research is done about the species - it's best left as a species that should only be kept in public aquariums.
While is reported maximum size of 36" (92 cm) may seem to make it perfect choice for large home aquarias - It's not. As has already been explained - the Bonnethead is often considered to be the hardiest of the hammerheads, and even some experienced shark aquarists have difficults in keep that species alive for more than a few years.
So for the time being - I would consider the Scalloped Bonnethead to be in the same boat as Small requiem sharks such as the Grey Sharpnose or Brazilian Sharpnose. Which is to say - the right potential size for home aquaria, but with a lack of good detailed info on the species - the husbandary & overall survivability potential is uncertain, at best.
While is reported maximum size of 36" (92 cm) may seem to make it perfect choice for large home aquarias - It's not. As has already been explained - the Bonnethead is often considered to be the hardiest of the hammerheads, and even some experienced shark aquarists have difficults in keep that species alive for more than a few years.
So for the time being - I would consider the Scalloped Bonnethead to be in the same boat as Small requiem sharks such as the Grey Sharpnose or Brazilian Sharpnose. Which is to say - the right potential size for home aquaria, but with a lack of good detailed info on the species - the husbandary & overall survivability potential is uncertain, at best.
Thanks so much krj-1168, that was exactly was I was looking for, well the wrong answer, but you know what I mean. I hope some day more is learned about them though, it is amazing how much in our own world is still unknown. Sharkdealer I am sorry about your poor shark, I think you all have convinced me of one thing I am glad I am in no rush. I am starting my reef now and then in two years a fish only system. So hopefully I will have the experience when I have an opertunity to build my big tank to start off with a small shark or two and then after everything is stable get one of the cool guys. Anyways thanks to all of you