krj-1168;531449; said:
your average novice shark keeper - won't do that. Your average person wanting to buy a shark, isn't about to o take the time do a lot of research, into what books are available.
And that my friend is the biggest problem!!! First of all, focus on a few of the words you said:
AVERAGE NOVICE SHARK KEEPER
WONT DO A LOT OF RESEARCH
First of all "Novice" and "Shark keeper" should never be put together. If you are going to keep sharks, you should not be a novice. Do you have any idea the amounts of research, education, field training, internships, expeditions, collections, etc. etc. your average everyday shark keeper has to date, and how many more they will accumulate in the next year. Research, experience, training, and education are never ending in this field. Nothing stands still, and not only are species specific topics ever expanding, but the associated technologies as well. And this is all so that we can care for them safely and properly, and expand our knowledge even further to keep the education and public awareness in it's prime. It's not like we have amazing side shows or super-bio engineered species locked away, LOL. We deal with regular sharks - the vary same people want to buy in public. And sure, most of us own currently, or have owned (in most cases) more than one shark, of several species. But that's the key - We own them not just because we love them and think they are really cool, but we own them because we KNOW HOW TO CARE FOR THEM, know what to do if they get sick or injured, understand the biology, and habitat needs, as well as seasonal dietary and migrational adjustments. Now no, you don't have to be a "professional" or whatever you wanna call it, but sharks aren't like picking up a goldfish from the fair because it's cute and your friends dont have one - - it's a whole other obligation, and for anyone educated and devoted to such an animal, there is no such thing as "one book that will cover it all", or "a magical tank set-up sure to breed sucess". No matter the design, no matter the amount of $$ you have, and no matter how many books you own or movies you watch, you will never know enough until you apply that knowledge and strive for more, and gain experience. For example, before spending a couple thousand dollars on a small species shark set up (and if you spend much less- there is something wrong), try expanding in different ways, like say you have a 300 gal. and that's the biggest you've ever had. Go for a 1,000 and see if you can properly and efficiently regulate your paramiters, and have life thrive in there. Opt for more "tricky" fish to keep, challenge yourself. And all the while, your efforts won't be wasted because I promise you, a lot of stuff i've learned and done over the years would seem to have nothing to do with sharks, and then one day, in the middle of a situation or project, it's like "Holy crap, that's what I learned that for!!" Just move up in baby steps, learn as much as you can, and never get ahead of yourself just because it seems "Just too cool, I gotta have one" - - Do that, and most likely, no one comes out a winner.
krj-1168;531449; said:
How many time have you encountered people on various boards asking a question like - "I have this size aquarium - what shark can I keep in it". Personally I would say at least dozen or two.
You have no idea, and it's not just on forums I encounter this, I get it nearly everyday at work when I deal with the public. There are always a few who swear they are educated, and either can "figure it out", or are "too good to get caught". Fact of the matter is, you should never just "figure it out". You should KNOW what you are dealing with, PREPARE for everything - the good, the bad, and the ugly, and be SMART ENOUGH to know what's not only morally right, but legal as well. There are just too many people who think they can outsmart authorities, and I will simply say - - if they were that good, I wouldnt have some sharks right now in holding that were siezed from illegal captivity, breeding, and trafficking.
