slowest growing smaller shark
- Thread starter smurph1415
- Start date
Actually growth rate has as much to do with water temp & amount of feeding as it has which species.
Granted certain species - do tend to grow faster than others.
Generally speaking the Bamboo, Eppies & coral cats - tend to be faster growers. While the Heterodontids (Horn & PJs) tend to be slower. But this is possible because they tend to be found in slightly cooler water temps.
There are example of Heterodontids in captivity that can match the growth rates of Bamboos, Eppies & Coral cats.
Granted certain species - do tend to grow faster than others.
Generally speaking the Bamboo, Eppies & coral cats - tend to be faster growers. While the Heterodontids (Horn & PJs) tend to be slower. But this is possible because they tend to be found in slightly cooler water temps.
There are example of Heterodontids in captivity that can match the growth rates of Bamboos, Eppies & Coral cats.
For a small Horn pup(7-9") - no less than a 180 gallon (for maybe a year or 2 - depending on it's actual growth rate). For a larger pup(10-12") at least a 250-300 gallon for maybe 2 years.
For an average Adult(about 36-40") - at least 600 gallon (10'L x 4'W x 2'T), although a 750 gallon pond (10'L X 5'W x 2'T) would even be better - IMO.
For an average Adult(about 36-40") - at least 600 gallon (10'L x 4'W x 2'T), although a 750 gallon pond (10'L X 5'W x 2'T) would even be better - IMO.
Btw - if you want to get a Horn shark, but want have it grow slowly - I suggest you invest in good quality chiller. You'll want to to keep the water temps - in the 65-72F range. Any warmer than 72 and the Horn will start going fast.
And a Slow growth rate of a Horn shark is about 3" per year. However in warmer waters in well-feed it can grow between 6-9" per year without much problems.
And a Slow growth rate of a Horn shark is about 3" per year. However in warmer waters in well-feed it can grow between 6-9" per year without much problems.
Ok - first question - What are the dimensions of the tank? - (gallonage means almost nothing - when caring for sharks).
Second question - How big were the sharks, when you go them?
Third question - How much were you feeding them
Fourth & Final question - What was the water temperature?
As for the Nurse & Leopard - very likely - these sharks can get big - and can do pretty fast.
As for bamboo & catshark - doubtful, unless the tank is very narrow - less than 3 ft wide. If that's the case then it's not suited for any species of shark.
As for Brown & Sand shark - Hmmm. need better species Id please. Brown can be any brown colored shark, and there's about nearly dozen types of "sand" shark - from dogfish to the Sand Tiger.
Look at temperate species if you want something small and slow growing. Port Jacksons or any temp horn sharks, swell sharks, chain dogs, pagyma (or sometimes spelled pajama) sharks, etc..... Cooler temps mean slower metabolism, meaning slower growth rates.
So true, actually Port Jackson's tend to be slower growers than Cali Horns are - usually growing at only 2-3" per year (on average). And they can take more than a decade to reach maturity.
But yeah - generally cool water species tend to be very slow growers.