keeping a catshark?

[poppybeds]

Saw one in our local reef shop. LOVE it. It was only listed as a cat shark though, with no scientific name, but it looks a lot like the australian marbled catshark.

Can't find a lot of info on it, unfortunately, and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction of its care--husbandry, size, appetite, tank requirements, etc.

ty!

 

[davewbush]

Most sharks need at least a 500 gal tank, with no LR because they have soft bellies that cut easy and can get infections. This is just what I've read in the past. Hopfully some one else will have more info.

 

[dwd5813]

i would start with some reading, like this book: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1890087572/reeflink
and some asking around in aggressive forums like ours here:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=139

you are going to want a pretty huge tank. one of my lfs had one for a while in one of those 600g blue tubs and it still would have appreciated more room by the looks of things. they're sedentary much of the time but when they're on the move, it's a 4 foot adult if i recall right and at that length of fish it takes a long run for them to be able to swim freely. do a lot of research before you buy a shark. there is a lot to consider.

if you're new to saltwater you probably should not keep a shark. they are an expert level fish with specific requirements.

 

[snorvich]

Yes, I agree. The average ADVANCED aquarist should not consider buying them. A 600 gallon tank is WAY too small.

 

[darkdruid]

A cat shark is one of the smaller species, but small is relevant. it can still easily reach 3 to 4 feet and weigh several pounds. I've only seen one good shark tank, it was a 400 gallon tank shaped like a donut. The shark could continually swim without running into anything.

 

[gelatin_man]

If it is the marbled cat shark they only get to 2 feet so you could keep it in a 210 or a little bigger and wouldn't have any trouble...they are a warmer water species so make sure to keep the temp up around 78 or 80. and feed shrimp clam squid and fish.

 

[Mouse]

Best setup for sharks {even the smaller ones} that I have seen is the "plywood tank in the garage with a window into the house" type. The plus side is you get to swim with them to clean the glass

 

[reefergeorge]

IMO I wouldn't keep a cat shark in a standard aquarium. They limit your stocking options, and are boring. All the ones I have seen sat in the same place all day.
With that said. I would use one of those 300g Rubbermaid tubs. That will be plenty for a pretty long time.