Saw pics of these guys anyone have any info in reguards to if they are available and general husbandry? my husband would like a shark down the line and we'be been pretty content in the idea of going with a bamboo.. but we find these guys quite attractive.
Scyliorhinus retifer, Chain catshark info?
- Thread starter MonsterMinis
- Start date
There seems to be a size difference which in it's range possible due to different subspecies. In the northern part of it's range it can reach about 19.7 inches (50 cm). While in the southern part of it's range it may grow up to 24 inches (61 cm) in length
As a demersal species, the chain catshark tends to reside in cooler waters, than it's range may suggest. While it can be found in water temperatures ranging between 43-70 F (6-21 C). The preferred water temperature range seems to be 54-66 F(12.2-18.9 C). The species is known to be completely marine - so it requires a Salinity & Specific gravity near Ocean levels which is usually about 1.023-1.026.
Shark in Captivity: While their small adult size would seem to make them an idea for subject for large home Aquariums or small ponds. The problem with this beautiful species is that are require cold water temps(usually below 60F) that are colder that most chillers can handle. Also while this species isn't consider rare - they are very rarely found in the North American pet Fish trade, because of these special requirements. This species does make a wonderful choice for the experienced private shark aquarists, that is looking for an exotic, cool water species for captive breeding. While a single adult (of the largest subspecies) may require a tank of at least 24 sq.ft.(8'long x 3'wide x 2'high) and a volume of 360 gallons or more. For a Breeding pair or trio - the tank should be at least 32 sq.ft. (8'long x 4'wide x 2' high) and have a volume of 480 gallons or more.
As a demersal species, the chain catshark tends to reside in cooler waters, than it's range may suggest. While it can be found in water temperatures ranging between 43-70 F (6-21 C). The preferred water temperature range seems to be 54-66 F(12.2-18.9 C). The species is known to be completely marine - so it requires a Salinity & Specific gravity near Ocean levels which is usually about 1.023-1.026.
Shark in Captivity: While their small adult size would seem to make them an idea for subject for large home Aquariums or small ponds. The problem with this beautiful species is that are require cold water temps(usually below 60F) that are colder that most chillers can handle. Also while this species isn't consider rare - they are very rarely found in the North American pet Fish trade, because of these special requirements. This species does make a wonderful choice for the experienced private shark aquarists, that is looking for an exotic, cool water species for captive breeding. While a single adult (of the largest subspecies) may require a tank of at least 24 sq.ft.(8'long x 3'wide x 2'high) and a volume of 360 gallons or more. For a Breeding pair or trio - the tank should be at least 32 sq.ft. (8'long x 4'wide x 2' high) and have a volume of 480 gallons or more.
Thanks for the further info, I read that they where a deeper water species and was wondering if chillers where needed or not... good to know, more research to do. we where looking for something to go in the 500-600 gallon range. again it will be quite some time before we even started looking for a distributor to obtain anything.. but in my experiance with fw species you can never have enough info before getting into something new. I have kept SW before, and cared for some Bamboos and Eps when working at LFS's successfully. So far i've been successful with my FW rays, and other oddball species, so i'm not afraid of takeing a step-up on the SW side. But I never really got to in-depth with them, and my husband is obsessed with them. So I promised him his SW set-up when we get a house next spring. The stickies where a great intro. any other suggested reading by anyone about keeping sharks in captivity?
Contact Chris at benthicsharks.ca He is currently breeding both the Izu and Cloudy cat sharks. Both are small tropical sharks that do well in captivity, have beautiful markings, and do not require chiller.
Juvi captive raised chain cats are available. pM me if interested and I'll point you in the right direction. They are about 4 inches from what I understand.
Thanks for all the info guys.. been reading the stickies and their links as time permits.
alprazo- I'll def pop back and get more info and see if available when we're ready. don't even have a sw up atm to house a pup short term ( not that i would want to tbh ) and alot can change in the next few monthes, which hopefully it doesn't. but i've made that mistake once. don't want to make it again.
alprazo- I'll def pop back and get more info and see if available when we're ready. don't even have a sw up atm to house a pup short term ( not that i would want to tbh ) and alot can change in the next few monthes, which hopefully it doesn't. but i've made that mistake once. don't want to make it again.