Banded Cat Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum)
Max Size: 3 feet 4 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Minimum Tank Size: 360 gallons
The Black Banded Cat Shark earns its name due to the barbels around its mouth resembling cat whiskers. It is also known as the Brownbanded Bamboo Shark, featuring a cream-colored body adorned with broad dark black stripes. As it grows, larger muted brown spots may appear between the stripes, enhancing its unique appearance.
This bottom-dwelling shark is a popular choice for home aquariums. It has a carnivorous appetite and will eagerly consume crustaceans present in the tank. While it stays relatively small, it requires a spacious aquarium of at least 360 gallons once it reaches adulthood. To prevent any issues, it is essential to provide a sandy substrate as coarser materials can scratch its sensitive abdomen and potentially lead to infection. Furthermore, it should never be exposed to copper-based medications, as these can be harmful.
Initially, feeding the Black Banded Cat Shark might pose a challenge. When introduced to the aquarium, using small pieces of cleaned squid or live saltwater feeder shrimp can entice it to eat. As it acclimates, it can be fed shrimp, scallops, or portions of fresh marine fish. For their well-being, it is best to offer quality foods such as whole cockles in the shell, fresh shrimp and squid, and frozen mussels.
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