Shark Pond Question

[plah831]

There is no such shark as a banded catshark. There are lots of catsharks to pick from though. You might have ment to say banded bamboo shark. The bamboos and catsharks are totally different families.

Yeah, I did mean the bamboo shark. You think I'd know that, too, since my Master's thesis is on Scyliorhinids (Apristurus brunneus and Parmaturus xaniurus). But I don't fool myself into thinking I know it all! I know enough to know that, eh? The issue above was mostly common names, which I don't put a lot of importance on anyway.

 

[krj-1168]

It hard for me to recommend any requiem shark for a pool this size. It's simply not large enough or deep enough to keep any requiem shark long-term.

But Bulls, Lemons, & hammerheads are sharks that really should never be in the hands of private individuals. These sharks are best left to public aquariums. Bulls & Lemons are both very aggressive & dangerous species for a private individual to keep - not matter what size pool/pond you have for them. And hammerheads are fairly tough to keep even for large public aquariums.

Truth is there's a couple of good options for someone who wants a requiem shark.

The Blacktip reefs are good - but do require very large custom tanks or swimming pools(at least 15-20,000 gallon range).

The Atlantic Sharpnose(sharpies) are possible the best requiem for shark ponds. They species actually seems to do best in groups. So to keep a small group of 2-3 sharks, you will still need a pool of at least 4-6,000 gallons.

The Bonnethead is the only hammerhead species that can really even be recommended for private shark ponds. Still they need room to swim - at least 3-4,000 gallons for a single bonnet.

There are a couple other requiem sharks available (once & a while), although they may require special premits to keep. These are the Blacknose & Finetooth sharks. They generally will sale for about $2,500 each. The Finetooth built like the Blacktip(except no blacktips on the fins), and generally grow to about the size of a blacktip reef. The Blacknose is a classic looking requiem shark, with a black spot on it's nose. They can grow to just over 5' in length, but usually average about 4-4.5' in length.

Also for the record - the kiddie pools are only used by people who want to catch & keep their own sharks(Note: check your state regs before attempting this your self). The blow up kiddie pools are used as a resting pool for small newly caught sharks, with a small bottle of O2 to add air. Then when the these people get ready to leave the beach - the sharks are transported in a live well(often 150-400 gallons), with air being added by bottled O2, or small portable air pump. I've talked to some people who have done this.

 

[Brenden]

I dont have as much experience as alot of the other members on this forum. But I would have to agree that all those sharks you have posted really arent ment for private aquarists. Though the Black Tip Reef Shark is a great shark for private aquarists as long as you can provide a suitable aquarium for them. They need alot of swimming room, but if you can provide that for them there an amazing shark to have. So much fun to whatch, my local fish store has one and I can stand there for 30 minutes and not get bored from whatching it. And if your pool is big enough you could probable fit a couple in there and have yourself a very nice shark pond. Goodluck with what ever you persue.

 

[Ali]

It hard for me to recommend any requiem shark for a pool this size. It's simply not large enough or deep enough to keep any requiem shark long-term.

But Bulls, Lemons, & hammerheads are sharks that really should never be in the hands of private individuals. These sharks are best left to public aquariums. Bulls & Lemons are both very aggressive & dangerous species for a private individual to keep - not matter what size pool/pond you have for them. And hammerheads are fairly tough to keep even for large public aquariums.

Truth is there's a couple of good options for someone who wants a requiem shark.

The Blacktip reefs are good - but do require very large custom tanks or swimming pools(at least 15-20,000 gallon range).

The Atlantic Sharpnose(sharpies) are possible the best requiem for shark ponds. They species actually seems to do best in groups. So to keep a small group of 2-3 sharks, you will still need a pool of at least 4-6,000 gallons.

The Bonnethead is the only hammerhead species that can really even be recommended for private shark ponds. Still they need room to swim - at least 3-4,000 gallons for a single bonnet.

There are a couple other requiem sharks available (once & a while), although they may require special premits to keep. These are the Blacknose & Finetooth sharks. They generally will sale for about $2,500 each. The Finetooth built like the Blacktip(except no blacktips on the fins), and generally grow to about the size of a blacktip reef. The Blacknose is a classic looking requiem shark, with a black spot on it's nose. They can grow to just over 5' in length, but usually average about 4-4.5' in length.

Also for the record - the kiddie pools are only used by people who want to catch & keep their own sharks(Note: check your state regs before attempting this your self). The blow up kiddie pools are used as a resting pool for small newly caught sharks, with a small bottle of O2 to add air. Then when the these people get ready to leave the beach - the sharks are transported in a live well(often 150-400 gallons), with air being added by bottled O2, or small portable air pump. I've talked to some people who have done this.

From what I have read and asked, an overwhelming makority of people and sources state that it will take many years for most sharks to reach adult (5'-10' depending on species) length. furthermore, I don't understand why some people think that a 2' long shark that will grow half a foot a year will need a 48' aquarium immediately. Plus, in a public aquarium, their are MANY aggressive sharks being housed together. I am only going to be keeping one or two.

Honestly, what do you think I am going to be doing with the sharks? They are not dangerous unless I put myself in a position that is dangerous. I am not going to pet the shark or swim with them. I doubt that I will be killed by just looking at them.

That is an interesting method that shark collectors use. Is that how mattj(sp?) transports his sharks?

 

[Ali]

I dont have as much experience as alot of the other members on this forum. But I would have to agree that all those sharks you have posted really arent ment for private aquarists. Though the Black Tip Reef Shark is a great shark for private aquarists as long as you can provide a suitable aquarium for them. They need alot of swimming room, but if you can provide that for them there an amazing shark to have. So much fun to whatch, my local fish store has one and I can stand there for 30 minutes and not get bored from whatching it. And if your pool is big enough you could probable fit a couple in there and have yourself a very nice shark pond. Goodluck with what ever you persue.

I know what you mean about the shark trance. Over the summer I went to French Polynesia and on the island of Moorea I went swimming with a bunch of Black Tip Reef Sharks. Most of them were adults in the 5' range and they were simply amazing. I have a video that I took with my underwater digital camera that I will try to load.

The file is to big but I will add pictures for now. I am also adding pictures of a BIG Titan trigger. That trigger was the only fish I was afraid of the entire trip.

 

[Ali]

Here is a close up pic of the Titan Triggerfish.

 

[sharkdealer]

Ali,
I think we've gone over this topic before, but it seems you've drastically reduced the size of the pool you're considering. I can tell you right now that you need to decide what is more important for you to keep. The size pool you're thinking about is not suitable for Bulls nor Scallopeds even as newborns. The Bull will live in there for a short time but will be cramped for sure. The smallest Bull I've ever seen or collected was 28 inches. Also, Bulls are very aggressive and like to eat other sharks. Your Scalloped Hammerhead would not stand a chance in a small enclosure. As far as collecting your own goes, you would have great difficulty in obtaining a permit. Laws regarding the collecting of sharks these days have gotten strict. Plus, by the time you've invested all of that time and money to get the permit, proper equipment, people to help you and other incidentals you've shelled out a ton of money. Believe me, I've been doing this for some years now and it is expensive. I wish there was someone else other than me who would sell me a Bull or Scalloped for $6000.00. That pales in comparison to what shark collecting has cost me over the years. And even now I can't do it alone. If I didn't have others who were helping me out it would be near impossible to do. $6000.00 is a bargain. I charge $8000.00 for a Bull or Scalloped. This does include free delivery to most areas of the country including CA. But the season is over now. You'd have to wait until next summer. I would strongly suggest a larger pool if you're serious. You can also put to rest your hopes of finding a nursery area here in CA. These are tropical sharks and they don't normally range this far north. There is only 1 confirmed record of a Scalloped Hammer pup in our waters and that was in 1984. The records of Bulls in CA waters are very few and sketchy at best. And if things weren't bad enough, you would need a special permit to keep a Bull in CA. The Bull is a restricted species here and your possession of it would not be legal so that's another hurdle you would need to consider. Hope this info helps.

 

[Ali]

Ali,
I think we've gone over this topic before, but it seems you've drastically reduced the size of the pool you're considering. I can tell you right now that you need to decide what is more important for you to keep. The size pool you're thinking about is not suitable for Bulls nor Scallopeds even as newborns. The Bull will live in there for a short time but will be cramped for sure. The smallest Bull I've ever seen or collected was 28 inches. Also, Bulls are very aggressive and like to eat other sharks. Your Scalloped Hammerhead would not stand a chance in a small enclosure. As far as collecting your own goes, you would have great difficulty in obtaining a permit. Laws regarding the collecting of sharks these days have gotten strict. Plus, by the time you've invested all of that time and money to get the permit, proper equipment, people to help you and other incidentals you've shelled out a ton of money. Believe me, I've been doing this for some years now and it is expensive. I wish there was someone else other than me who would sell me a Bull or Scalloped for $6000.00. That pales in comparison to what shark collecting has cost me over the years. And even now I can't do it alone. If I didn't have others who were helping me out it would be near impossible to do. $6000.00 is a bargain. I charge $8000.00 for a Bull or Scalloped. This does include free delivery to most areas of the country including CA. But the season is over now. You'd have to wait until next summer. I would strongly suggest a larger pool if you're serious. You can also put to rest your hopes of finding a nursery area here in CA. These are tropical sharks and they don't normally range this far north. There is only 1 confirmed record of a Scalloped Hammer pup in our waters and that was in 1984. The records of Bulls in CA waters are very few and sketchy at best. And if things weren't bad enough, you would need a special permit to keep a Bull in CA. The Bull is a restricted species here and your possession of it would not be legal so that's another hurdle you would need to consider. Hope this info helps.

Thanks for the helpful info. For now, I can only fit a 12' pond comfortably at my place. This is most likely a temporary set up. That is why I chose to get the easy set pool. I have space for an oval pool but I can not find one compatible with sharks (metal walled).

I will put away the bulls and scalloped hammerheads for now then. I guess I will go with a Black tip reef or bonnethead for now. Plus, I might be able to add some nice fish to the picture then. I am going to Aquatic Outlet today and I will see if they can give me anymore advice.


Thanks for the help.

 

[krj-1168]

Your best choice are Blacktip Reef (nice photos - by the way), Bonnets, & sharpies.

Blacktip reef pups are often sold at 12-15" in length - figuring an average growth rate of 11" - you will be able to keep the blacktip in that pool for up to 3 years. Although you may be able to extend this by 6 months, by keeping them a cooler water temp(around 74-75 F), and slightly lighter feedings.

As Bonnets & Sharpies are both warm water species(requiring water temps of 77F + to survive), it harder to control the growth rate on these sharks. Neither species will be able to stay in your pool for much more than 2 years, as both sharks will need deeper water and/or larger (diameter) pools.

IF your thinking about two different kinds of sharks - then your best pairings are -

Sharpies & bonnets - come from same general area & water conditions. And general get along great together (no interspecies aggression)

And Blacktips reefs with bamboos and/or eppies.

 

[UnderwaterGirl]

The reason I am not looking for a catshark is because of why I am setting up a shark tank. I am spending my time, effort, and money into a shark tank and so I want a shark that is legit, in this case a requeim shark. I am prepared to go through all of the neccesary procedure for it.

If you are willing to go through all of the neccesary procedures to get a requiem shark, then go through the procedures. You need a BIGGER TANK!!!!!!!!! If you are wanting a bull shark or a hammerhead, you HAVE TO get a bigger tank. Why is this so difficult. If you are willing to spend the money, then spend the money on a quality shark pond. Not just a dinky pool.