Wild Shark?

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Plecostomus
MFK Member
Nov 3, 2008
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Would it be illegal to keep a wild shark as a pet in Florida? Giving him the right size tank and materials? Not talking about a 8 foot shark but something like a Blacknose shark, Sharpnose Shark, or a Bonnethead shark? Something under the 5 foot category?
 
Bump?
 
Illegal to keep? No.
Illegal to catch yourself without proper permits? Yes.

Sharks in us water are federally protected under 36" long. Above that size, you can catch them and kill them, but you will need a permit to keep them alive. Alos be careful b/c some places require a seperate permit to transport a native animal that is wild caught as well.

But I won't say it's not possible. I've been granted several permits to collect and transport sharks in US waters. Usually you have to prove that you have the proper set up to collect, transport and hold them long term.

Another thing to consider is that you will need a large enough quarantine area to properly house the shark until it goes to the end tank.
 
Ok I'll have to look into that. Thanks
 
If you need a contact for starting the whole process, let me know. I can get you some email addresses.

What kind of set up are you running that you are looking for sharks like sharpnose and bonnets?
 
Its going to be about a 2,000 gallon above ground pool

Just looking at some ideas of sharks
 
Are you making one or buying a preformed one?

If you are thinking preformed, check out Red-Ewald fiber glass pools. I've used them a lot (and I know of a lot of aquariums that use them). www.redewald.com
 
I was looking on something along the lines of a Metal Frame Pool. Its going to be 12' diameter. and 30" high
 
Metal frame will be no good. It will mess with the shark's ability to navigate. There are several good pvc framed pools that I have used for sharks that work very well if you are looking for something like that. Check out Aquaticeco.com They offer several rather large sizes.
 
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