Why Keep a Shark in an Aquarium?
The shark’s distinct appearance makes it an instant focal point, serving as a conversation starter, and sparking curiosity and admiration from viewers. Although sharks’ bodies are made out of cartilage rather than bones like other fish, they are in fact fish. They live in water, but their behaviors differ from those of typical aquarium fish. This not only provides endless interest but also opens the door to educational opportunities.
Different Types of Sharks for Aquariums
Sharks bring unique beauty and movement to an aquatic setup. There are several shark types that thrive in aquariums. These species of sharks are generally smaller, more docile, and adaptable to aquarium life. The type of sharks for aquariums will depend on whether it is a freshwater or saltwater tank. Here are some of the best sharks for home aquariums:
Freshwater Sharks
Rainbow Shark vs Red Tail Shark
| Common Freshwater Sharks | ||
|---|---|---|
Iridescent Shark | Red Tail Shark | |
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| |
Appearance | They have a shiny, iridescent color that gives these fish their name. Juveniles have a black stripe along the lateral line and a second black stripe below the lateral line. They actually look more like sharks than many real marine shark species | Resembles the Rainbow shark, but its body is black, with only a striking red tail |
Length | Adults in the wild reach up to 130 cm (4.3 ft) in length and can weigh up to a maximum of 44 kg (97 lb) | Grow up to 6 inches and need lots of hiding space |
Compatibility with other fish | Peaceful in the home aquarium but if stressed, their first instinct is to flee; a blind dash can cause injury in an aquarium environment. These injuries may result in the fish sinking to the bottom, where it may lie on its side or back until it recovers | Aggressive, especially towards their own species and smaller fish, but can also be paired with other fish of similar size or schooling fish |
Required water temperature | 75-81°F (24-27°C) | 72-79°F (22-26°C) |
Required pH level | 6.5-8.0 | 6.0-8.0 |
Amount of water needed | 100-250 gallons per pair of fish | 55-75 gallons per fish |
Saltwater Sharks for Aquariums
Bamboo Shark vs Epaulette Shark
| Saltwater Sharks for Aquariums | ||
|---|---|---|
Bamboo Shark | Epaulette Shark | |
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| |
Appearance | Grey and black stripes | Light yellowish-tan body and dark spots |
Length | Can grow up to 40 inches long | Can grow up to 30 inches long |
Compatibility with other fish | Relatively aggressive and are best paired with similar-sized fish | Passive in nature but can be a threat to smaller fish |
Habitat preference | Bottom-dwelling species that like to hide in dark caves and sandy substrate | Often spotted at the bottom of the aquarium, moving with a “walking” motion using their pectoral fins
Thrive in well-maintained reef habitats |
Required water temperature | 72-78°F (22-25°C) | 72-78°F (22-25°C) |
Required pH level | 8.1-8.4 | 8.1-8.4 |
Amount of water needed | 180 gallons minimum | 360 gallons minimum |
Challenges of Keeping Sharks in Aquariums
Tank Size for Sharks in a Fish Tank
Sharks’ Compatibility with Other Fish
Managing Aggression Displayed by Sharks in a Fish Tank
- Provide Enough Swimming Space: Overcrowding can increase stress and aggression. An experienced aquarium designer will ensure your shark aquarium contains open swimming areas and designated hiding spots.
- Choosing Compatible Tank Mates: Sharks need to be paired with non-aggressive fish that are similar in size so that they won’t provoke them.
- Create Proper Tank Structure: When installing the aquarium, adding caves, rock formations, and plants or corals provides visual barriers that allow the fish to establish territories and reduce conflict. This ensures a secure and harmonious environment for your sharks.
- Monitor Feeding Habits: Hunger can lead to aggression. Providing a well-balanced diet at regular intervals prevents sharks from seeing tank mates as potential prey.
The Rewarding Experience of Keeping Sharks in an Aquarium
Having a shark aquarium offers a unique and enriching experience. These creatures bring a dynamic energy and a sense of wonder to both home and commercial aquariums. With Aqua Creations, we aim to bring an unmatched level of elegance and intrigue to any aquatic setup. Our expert team considers every detail, including the right tank size, compatible tank mates, and the aquascape required for your sharks to thrive.
Contact us today and get started designing your custom aquarium with sharks. From initial plans to ongoing maintenance, we take care of it all.
About the Author
Sol Bick
Aqua Creations Founder
Aqua Creations founder and self-proclaimed fish addict, Sol Bick is passionate about anything aquatic. With over 50 years of experience as an aquarium hobbyist and professional, Sol never stops plunging into the depths of aquatic science, researching, contributing to, and staying current with the latest technologies.