Smooth Hound Shark

[blucobra]

I know that I am new to the board, but have been reading for some years now. I just now have a question that I would like to throw out for some real world answers. I know I know that the word shark brings some of you into a real stir.....so I am ready. I was in Cincinnati at a GREAT fish store. They had a Smooth Hound Shark. I have never seen one before. I want to know if anyone here has pros and cons. I have read the Aqurium Sharks & Rays before, but do not remember info. on this fish. Thanks for all your help. Joe

 

[Puffer Queen]

Joe,

Pull out your book again - many pages 54; 57; 120 -126; 174; 177; 181;206-207; 214; 229.

cons: Grow fast & Big - requires aquariums of over 1200 gallons minimum.

pros: Good to view in public aquariums.

Hope this helps.

Kelly

 

[Ray Whisperer]

You'll need a REALLY BIG tank. My guess would be 1000 gal +, and lots of current, and one BIG A$$ skimmer. Reason being smooth hounds need to move constantly to move water across their gills. Plus they grow pretty quick. I wouldn't be suprised if it reaches 3 to 4 ft. in 4 or 5 years. Oh forgot to say really messy eaters.

 

[Mikeeal]

What about temp?

 

[Puffer Queen]

Temp requirements: 52 - 70 degrees MAX.

Need a BIG chiller as well.....

Kelly

 

[JFisheez]

i have a friend who had a smooth hound in a 1000 gal tank also with a nurse shark and a golden sapo and some others. the smooth hound, though awesome, grew past the nurse in less then a year, but then the puffer killed it so im not 100 % sure what to tell u un less u plan on limited supply in a huge tank

 

[trikais_sam]

First off let me say that a smooth hound, like it's relative the leopard shark are both from the waters off of San Fransico. This water is not tropical. I must be kept on the cooler side. Potentially a smooth hound can grow to 6 ft. Rather quickly I might add.They also require space to move at all times. Attempting to keep them in small quarters is not wise. They are also very fast jumpers.
As far as hand feeding, I would suggest that of no shark. This is still a wild animal, and not given the proper amounts of food,( NOT GOLDFISH) they can cause a very nasty bite.

 

[trikais_sam]

Sorry to everyone. That was to read IT must must be kept in cooler water, not I. I prefer the bath water warmth of the islands.

 

[jr2857]

They can be acclimated to warm waters up to 75 but will live a much shorter time and grow much faster. To limit their growth they cooler the better. Preferably around 60 degrees.

 

[jr2857]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6870181#post6870181 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trikais_sam
First off let me say that a smooth hound, like it's relative the leopard shark are both from the waters off of San Fransico. This water is not tropical. I must be kept on the cooler side. Potentially a smooth hound can grow to 6 ft. Rather quickly I might add.They also require space to move at all times. Attempting to keep them in small quarters is not wise. They are also very fast jumpers.
As far as hand feeding, I would suggest that of no shark. This is still a wild animal, and not given the proper amounts of food,( NOT GOLDFISH) they can cause a very nasty bite.

They CANNOT grow to 6ft. Those are leopard sharks that grow up to 6ft. The smoothound shark is even lucky to grow up 4 ft. and that's in warmer waters. They are not 100% active sharks. they will sometimes lie on the bottom and sometimes be swimming actively.

 

[schulace123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6871894#post6871894 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jr2857
They CANNOT grow to 6ft. Those are leopard sharks that grow up to 6ft. The smoothound shark is even lucky to grow up 4 ft. and that's in warmer waters. They are not 100% active sharks. they will sometimes lie on the bottom and sometimes be swimming actively.

i agree