Care Level: Advanced
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
General Description: The Bamboo Cat Shark, or simply Bamboo Shark for short, also known as the Brown-banded Bamboo Shark, are found widely throughout the Indo-West Pacific Ocean. The Bamboo shark makes its way into the aquarium trade from time to time, however they’re often sold as mere juveniles at 12″ or less or even as a shark egg. The reality is that the Bamboo shark is a species best left admired in the wild, public aquaria or to the few extremely dedicated aquarists that have the facilities to house an adult. On average, an adult Bamboo shark in captivity can grow to 3 feet in length. In the wild, this shark can grow up to 4 feet in length. Their large adult size makes this fish a serious commitment in all aspects of aquatic husbandry (please see ‘Diet and Care Requirements’ below). While the Bamboo shark is a predator and will try to eat any tank mate that can fit in its mouth, it should not be kept with aggressive tank mates such as triggers, puffers and certain angelfish that will also harass and nip it.
Diet Requirements: A diet largely consisting of frozen chopped or whole shrimp, scallops, mussels, squid, krill or silverside fish is recommended. Appropriate frozen food options will vary depending on the size of your specimen. Offering live prey items occasionally, such as fiddler crabs or any type of crustacean, is encouraged. We urge using a pair of forceps rather than your hands to feed eels in order to avoid getting bitten by accident. A Bamboo shark should not be fed on a daily basis; typically two or three times a week is appropriate.
Care Requirements: A minimum 125 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Bamboo shark. The realistic accommodations for a Bamboo shark long term, or for a more adult specimen, is an aquarium/pool of at least 600 gallons or more. The length and width are particularly important to allow free movement of the Bamboo shark as it would naturally. The Bamboo shark cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are needed to keep water parameters in good condition (Nitrates < 20 ppm), as Bamboo sharks are sensitive to deteriorating water conditions. The Bamboo shark cannot be exposed to copper based medications! This could result in death of your shark. Equipping the aquarium with several canister filters, or a sump system, is required to maintain a healthier environment for this species and combat the amount of waste it produces. A Bamboo shark will be relatively indifferent to décor, but a few areas of stacked rocks to create caves for shelter would be appreciated. Be sure these structures are secure, as Bamboo sharks are known to dig. A lot of unobstructed and open swimming space should be of priority, and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. A sandy or fine substrate should be used, as the Bamboo shark does spend a lot of time lying on the bottom. The Bamboo shark does not make for a good reef tank inhabitant. First, the Bamboo shark has poor eyesight and it may inadvertently damage corals or dislodge rocks as it moves around. Second, fish and crustaceans will be eaten if the Bamboo shark can fit them in its mouth. And the third point is simply that this species just grows too large. A Bamboo shark would do best in a tank by itself, otherwise one can attempt to keep it with large growing fish species that are also peaceful in nature. Stingrays are a common tank mate. Only one Bamboo shark should be kept per aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Egg; Small: 10” to 12”; Medium: 13” to 16”; Large: 17”+
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
