Sharks/Feeding 10/2/07
Thank you for contacting the Crew @ Wet Web Media. Your Reply is below:
I have a baby banded cat shark about 3 maybe 4 weeks old and he still will not eat. What are some tricks to try?
<All posted on the site. Read here and linked files above. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharkfeedingfaqs.htm
James (Salty Dog)>

Getting Back Into the Game; Bamboo Shark Care  – 05/03/07
Dear Crew,
<Hello Bill…>
Thanks for the wonderful site you have put together.
<You are welcome and thank you.>
I've been reading all the FAQ's (its taken me several days- not a joke) and I just wanted to say a few things.
<Be my guest.>
I was surprised at the redundancy of a lot of questions. Do people not read FAQ's before they send in questions?
<Sadly, no…>
Wow- READ UP FIRST PEOPLE!!
<Agreed.>
Anyway, I had a few of my own....
<No problem.>
In a couple of questions, Bob had recommended adding vitamin solutions to food offerings for sharks. Makes sense. He had also said to add Iodide supplements as well, but in a previous question, I think it was MikeD who had said not to do this, as it could prove fatal. Which is it?
<Over dosing iodine is indeed something the aquarist should be aware of…though through a disciplined practice it should not be an issue.  The occasional dosing is necessary (happens anyway with water changes)…it is also recommended that you soak the food in an iodine solution on occasion to prevent goiter.>
I'm confused, is it only certain species or an age range that is the key factor?
<See above; also if you want more detail I would look into Scott Michaels book; “Sharks and Rays.”>
Also, I know most sharks are nocturnal,
<Most of the benthic species we keep in the “average” aquaria; yes.>
and therefore spend most of the day "sleeping." As I work late at night this is fine. My question is if I come home at maybe 11 to midnight, the shark should be active, but would prefer the tank lights to be off. So are there any lights that would allow me to
watch him at night without interfering with his natural clock?
<Low watt L.E.D. lighting or a red incandescent bulb.>
Like "safe lights" used in photo darkrooms (deep red lights that wont exposed normal light sensitive photo paper)? Or possibly "black lights"?
<No not black-lights. See above.>
And should I just have my regular tank lights kick off at sunset-ish and just use the "spying" lights afterwards?
<Yes use a normal lighting cycle; and then as you put it the “spy” lights to view the animal later.>
Anyway. I found you site while trying to research shark aquarium keeping and have been hooked ever since. When I was living at home with my parents, my step father (who probably knows more marine biology than most biologists) had a banded bamboo. We never really had a problem with him, not till he got big enough to try to eat a bird wrasse (my moms favorite) and a spiny puffer (the other favorite). I believe he was a good two to three foot at the time.
Anyway, my mom made us get rid of him (he went to a trusted LFS who specialized in exotics). Ever since then, I've wanted to get another one.
After being on my own for several years, I came across an aquarium setup (at a garage sale) that I couldn't pass up. I set it up with the idea of getting a banded bamboo once again. Though he might be the only thing in there besides "live in food" (e.g.. ghost shrimp, etc. ).
<I would recommend a VERY large/oversized protein skimmer.>
Which brings me to my last question, How can I encourage "natural" hunting behaviors?
<In young specimens; ghost shrimp (like you mentioned above) and fiddler crabs.  Having said that I’m not really a fan of live-foods. I prefer varied captive fair; mussels, scallops, squid, krill; etc. . Soaked in iodine now and then and vitamin supplements like Selcon.>
What edibles can I keep in the tank for him to hunt, as enrichment (sorry, zoo term)?
<See above.>
Thanks for your time. I will reference your site for all my future
questions. Keep up the great work.
<Thanks.>
Bill
<Adam J.>

Shark pic  - 3/7/07
Hi Bob
<Vici>
We are publishing a book about Sharks this spring and I am looking for a picture of a live Brown smoothhound, Longnose catshark and a Common
thresher.
I came across a picture of a Brown smoothhound on your website. Can you tell me where I can get permission for that picture?
<This is my image. What is the application? Bob Fenner>
Vici Johnstone

Re: sharks pix  – 03/09/07
Hi Bob
We are publishing a book on Sharks of the Pacific Northwest by Alessandro de Maddalena, Antonella Preti and Tarik Polansnky. The image of the Brown
smoothhound would be used for species identification. It would probably be printed as a 1/2 page colour image. The book is 6 x 9 and we will print 3000
copies to be distributed in Canada and the PNW. We will give you credit for the photo and a copy of the book.
<Real good. Please make it known what size, type of scan, dpi...>
Do you have any ideas where I can source the other two images we are looking for?
Vici Johnstone
General Manager
Harbour Publishing
<Ah, yes... will BCC a few friends here. Bob Fenner>
Excellent Bob. Thank you. Do you have a slide, photo or higher resolution
version of this shot?
Vici
<Am pretty sure this is a two by... Have a Nikon 4000 dpi capable scanner... Do please send along the name/right click... or the URL and desc. of where this is. BobF>
Hi Bob
I would need a 300 dpi tiff or hi res jpg scanned to 4 x 5 (ish). I have
attached the image in question.
Vici Johnstone
General Manager
Harbour Publishing
<Will the attached do? Bob Fenner, 8586 Menkar Rd., San Diego, CA 92126>

Re: sharks pix  3/10/07
Hi Bob
Yes this will be great. Can you tell me a few details about the shot i.e.. Where and when you shot it?
<Was taken in 2001, at the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, CA. BobF>
Vici Johnstone

Headline - Rare shark of the deep snapped... A thrill with a Frill    1/24/07
Dear Bob,
You have been sent this article link by Luke courtesy of smh.com.au
Personal Message:
Rare shark of the deep snapped
<Neat. Thanks Luke. BobF>
January 24, 2007 - 4:20PM
To view the entire article, click on:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/01/24/1169594348990.html

About Bonnethead sharks ... and using the search tool...   12/19/06 
Could you give me some information on bonnet head sharks. size of aquarium, diet, max size, etc.?
<Greeting, Mich here tonight.
     Have you used the google search feature on the bottom of the WetWebMedia homepage to search WWM and other sites?  I think you will find most of the information you are looking for and more.  This is an all volunteer organization and we generally prefer to respond to queries where the information being sought is not readily available.  We try to provide assistance with issues where the answers require more than a couple of tries with a search engine. If you are having further difficulties please feel free to contact us again.   
Sincerely,
Mich>

Need Help With Bamboo Shark - 09/26/06
I have a 60 gallon salt water aquarium.  Up until 2 days ago the only thing in it was a clown fish around 2 and a half inches who lives in my sea anemone.
<<Nothing wrong with keeping it this way...>>
My tank is running great, I'm happy to have so much growth inside, mushroom corals, bubble algae, feather dusters, sponge corals and a few things that I'm unsure
of the names thrive in my live rock.
<<A great hobby, eh?>>
Ok I'm sure you must hear this all the time, I have a friend who bought a banded bamboo shark (around 10 inches I would say) and she only has a 30 gallon tank.
<<Uggghhhh!  If the LFS where she bought the shark knew this........!!!>>
Right away I said "why did you do that?" "it's going to die in there" well, she figured out about 2 days later that she didn't want it and came to me.
<<...?  Why not return it to the LFS?>>
I told her no because I knew there wasn't enough room in my aquarium for a shark.
<<Indeed>>
But like she said it's better off in mine then hers until I can find someone else to take it
<<Mmm...semantics...>>
(I work in a pet store so I'm sure I can find a better home for him).
<<Is there a suitable tank at the pet store to house this animal until then?>>
I'm curious about their behavior, hopefully you can help.
<<I shall try...but you will likely find more info with a keyword Google search re on our site/the NET>>
I want to know that I'm doing what I can to keep it alive.  He seems to want out, he goes to the top of the tank and looks like he's trying to find a way out. (it makes me really sad to watch
it)  Also it scratches on the rocks and sand.  Is that normal?
<<Under these circumstances, maybe...signs of a healthy animal/environment, no.  There is something in this environment that is irritating this creature...could be water quality...could be stray voltage/magnetic field from a "leaking" powerhead or some other electronic device.  Do read through our "shark system" FAQs for clues...you can start here (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharksystems.htm) and do also follow the linked files above>>
There are no sighs of ich.  I watched it turn upside down and scratch its back in the sand.
<<Not necessarily a "parasitic" reaction>>
I'm no expert on behavior, do you think that is normal?
<<Nope>>
Also, how much food they need at one sitting? (Is feeding him every 2 days ok? and how much?)
<<Offer a small amount of marine based meaty food daily (shrimp, squid, fish flesh), and do have a good read here (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharkfeedingfaqs.htm)>>
For my last question, how well do they see?  Some times it runs in to the rocks and glass of my tank.
<<Mmm, environmental again...does this shark have anywhere to get away from the bright lights of a reef tank?>>
Thanks so much, I only want to help
<<Understood, but this animal needs a more suitable system...and soon.  In the meantime, do avail yourself of the plethora of information on these amazing creatures posted on our site>>
-Liz
<<Regards, EricR>>

Re: Need Help With Bamboo Shark - 09/28/06
Well, I work at PETCO; there isn't a tank large enough or really safe enough to hold him.
<<Okay>>
Also I'm worried about returning it to the store, because they will only resell it to another unsuspecting customer who will kill it. My friend said it was housed in an aquarium way smaller than my 60 gallon with around 10 other banded bamboo sharks.
<<Mmm...>>
It really is a bad idea for it to go back there.  I'm going to turn off my power heads, and see if his behavior improves (I have 3 in my tank for the coral).  Yes he can escape the light quite easily, and has dug several holes under my live rock to hide.
<<Ah, good!>>
I moved all the live rock to the center so that the shark could swim around.
<<Excellent>>
Thank you for your help, I'm going to visit a fish store tomorrow that I think may be a good choice for a permanent home for him.
-Liz
<<Good luck with your quest.  EricR>>

Port Jackson and? Coldwater/shark systems   9/16/06
Hi everyone,
<Adam>
Great site, Just a quick question, I have a port Jackson in my tank, and i know its difficult to have coral and a shark in the same tank, but, They have been living quite well together for 6 months, what i want to know is do you think the power heads have a bad effect on the shark, if so is there any thing else i can use instead?
thanks
Adam
<Posted... please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharksystems.htm
and the linked files above. No way to tell how much you actually know from what you've posted here... Do read over the article, FAQs on Heterodontids as well. Bob Fenner>

More on Sharks - 09/14/06
Hello Eric!
<<Hi Chad!>>
Chad again asking a few questions for a friend (doesn't have internet).
<<Uh-huh  (just kidding matey <grin>)>>
His name is Nathan, I just recently got him interested in keeping one of the many beautiful Elasmobranchs.
<<Indeed>>
I showed him pictures of the Brownbanded Bamboo, Epaulette, Cat sharks, etc.  But he saw a picture of a Bonnethead and a Blacktip Reef Shark.
<<Uh-oh...(sigh)>>
He wanted me to ask you guys if he could keep a Bonnethead or a Blacktip Reef Shark in a 1000 - 1500 gallon system who's dimensions are 12ft L x 4ft W x 3ft H?
<<Mmm, no...These are heavier, more active and much larger sharks...the Bonnethead grows to more than 5', and the Blacktip to more than 7'...would need a tank more than twice this size for either, in my opinion>>
I told him that he probably couldn't keep them in there for more than about 8 - 12 months or so, but he wanted to know exactly how long and he wanted to hear that from experts, so I asked you guys.
<<Well...I'm hardly an expert, but I have been around the block (or maybe around the bend!).  I don't recommend keeping these sharks at all unless they are "started" in a system suitable to hold them at maturity.  Often the "bigger tank down the line" never materializes...and rarely if ever can you just "bag up" the shark and take it to your local public aquarium or zoo, due either to local protocol or just the fact that they can't handle/don't have the facilities for the addition.  There's also the matter of developmental retardation from keeping and “growing” an animal under improper conditions and/or in "too small" an environment.  I can't point you to any studies, but my colleagues and I deal with this on a daily basis.  Mostly in the form of health and behavior issues associated with folks keeping "Tangs" in too small/crowded systems..."but only until they get too big for the tank" or "only until they can get a bigger tank"...get the picture?  Few hobbyists have the money/time/capacity for keeping these magnificent creatures...maybe you (and your friend) are the exception, just be sure to match the species to the environment...and vise versa>>
Thanks for your help,
Chad
<<Happy to share my opinions.  Eric Russell>>

55 Gallon with predators... incl. a shark  - 09/07/06
I have a 55 gal salt tank and it has been running for a couple months. I currently have a 6 in clown grouper and a golden head moray, I purchased a baby bamboo cat shark, which I know isn't the best idea. <Youch big fish that eat other fish and produce large amounts of waste. Potential major problems.> The site says its for expert care only, what do I need to do special and what am I getting myself into. <Bamboo sharks are very, very, very sensitive to nitrates so you need to make sure you have absolutely no nitrates. This means very frequent water changes and pristine pure water chemistry in my experience. I have raised several, hatched quite a few and they can be extremely difficult to get to eat and to get to continue to eat. Always train them to eat off a stick because I know several people who tried to hand feed them and ended up severely bitten. Feeding is hard to do with these guys, they need extremely smelly foods to begin with to get them stimulated to eat and to find foods. I use squid and it hasn't failed me yet.>I am only planning on having the shark for a couple months and then will sell it to the local fish store so I am not worried about it outgrowing the tank. <Have they already agreed to take it? Stores around here are rejecting large fish. They don't have the room.> Will there be any hostility in the tank? What pointers and advice can you give? What do I need to do special for him that other fish don't require? thank you very much I love the site!<I'd watch the grouper, I doubt that a young bamboo would compete for food against one which might have your shark starving to death.  Good luck Jeff, MacL>
Jeff

Feeding, shark   8/18/06
Hey Crew,   
  I have a 2 month old banded cat shark and I've been feeding him a mix variety of foods. I've been feeding him 2 times a week with some vita-chem added to the food the first feeding of the week. Just want to know if you guys agree with the feeding schedule?
  Thanks,
  Ben
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharkfeedingfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. BobF>

Gray Banded Bamboo... child/ish queries   8/6/06
Hey Guys,
   I think your web site is great and I have learned a lot from you guys.  I live in Maryland and trying to get a newborn Chiloscyllium griseum no stores can get them in small.
<English...>
  One place called roozens has shark eggs but I read that most of them fail or are born with a fungal.
<What?>
I would put this shark in 360 gallon tank with my baby manitus groper
<...>
and catfish. I have my tank running for about 4 months the water is perfect,
<Please have someone help you before sending out email>
I started it off with assorted damsels but the groper ate most of them. I want to get the shark small so it can grow with my groper and catfish. What to do!
thank you
Joe  
<... with what? Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm
The links/blue file names on cartilaginous fishes, sharks. BobF>

Bamboo Shark/Compatibility   8/1/06
Hey Guys,
<And gals.>
I think your web site is great and I have learned a lot from you guys.
<Thank you.>
I live in Maryland and trying to get a newborn Chiloscyllium griseum no stores can get them in small.  One place called Roozens has shark eggs but I read that most of them fail or are born with a fungal disease.
<I would not say most.>
I would put this shark in 360 gallon tank with my baby miniatus grouper and catfish. I have my tank running for about 4 months the water is perfect, I started it off with assorted damsels but the grouper ate most of them. I want to get the shark small so it can grow with my grouper and catfish. What to do!
<Do read here and related links above.  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharks.htm>
Thank you
<You're welcome.>
Joe  

Gray banded bamboo shark   7/8/06
hey guys
just need some info about the gray banded bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium griseum).  first I have 180 gallon tank,
<Too small... this fish can grow to about twice the width of this...>
all ready for a shark I have 5 damsels that I used to start the cycle
<Not a good idea... may well have introduced pathogens>
and now I want to get the gray banded bamboo shark but I cant find much info. I read the book sharks and rays and the conscientious marine aquarist, and multiple internet articles including your site and fish base. maybe you could send me some info on this shark.
thanks so much,
Joe
<Please read/glean what you can from reading here: http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=4304&genusname=Chiloscyllium&speciesname=griseum
and here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm
and learn capitalization through use of your Grammar Checker...
Bob Fenner>

Not sure what this is about but maybe sharks?? - 6/7/05
OK, I currently have a 125, no tank mates, and only a tiny bit of LR in the middle as I was told to. <OK>  In the tank are only 3 mini RBTA's and an LTA at the top of the rock. <Anemones> I will be upgrading to either a 265 if they come out with the corner overflows or a 300 if not. <OK. For what?>  My main question is what is the absolute best diet for them <Anemones?> if money is not an option.  Currently I have silversides, krill, mussels, salmon, bay scallops, clams, squid, and tuna. <all fine foods but I really think you are asking about a shark and not anemones> In the tank are some damsels just to add movement to the tank, but I am wondering if having the zero real tank mates and such is great moving to the larger tank and all as well. <Awkward sentence> I have a very large wet dry filtration system with a built in large skimmer and 2 HOB skimmers as well. <I would always add an additional skimmer as the built ins sometimes just are not up to par> My Scott Michael's book is on the way and I think I have everything covered, but I need to know if those food options are good <If you are talking anemones then definitely, if you are really asking if the food choice is proper for a shark, well that would depend on the shark, but those choices of foods are all good choices for most types of sharks.> What else I should do to help him be happier and healthier than ever. <This is covered in good detail here on our site. Please refer to the shark section here http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm>  Thank you so much in advance, sincerely Joshua <Hope this helps. Not really sure what I helped with. ~Paul>

Bamboo Shark Biology 101 Report
Could you please tell me how many eggs a brown banded bamboo shark normally
lays in the ocean? And also, at what temperature do they normally hatch in
the ocean? Is it the same as in captivity? Also, how often do they
reproduce, and is it during a certain time throughout the year? What age do
they normally grow to? I'm sorry for all of the questions. My sister is
doing a project and I've searched and searched for the answers but these
ones I just cannot find. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you!!
<Please see fishbase.org and on to the references posted there. Bob Fenner>

Sick Sand Shark... Goiter? Octopus in tiny system?
Hi Crew
My sand shark has a growth under the neck. What can I do for it ?
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharkdiseasefaqs.htm and the linked files above>
Also I have the one 2.5 gallon tank which I used to have a mantis shrimp in  it. Can I put an octopus in it?
<Don't know, can you? I would not... for reasons posted re Cephalopod Systems... on WWM>
The top is closed. The water in it has been in for two months with one small damsel now. It has a filter and sand and  light.
Thanks
<Keep reading. Bob Fenner>

Public Aquarium shark collection
Dear Bob,
<Aamir>
We are planning to build a public aquarium.
Could you please guide us how can we get Sharks for the aquarium, from where we could purchase them, how much does it cost?
Regards,
Aamir Sajjad
<Most public aquariums buy their sharks from either collectors directly or wholesale intermediaries... Some are fortunate to be located near areas where they are fished, and buy them from fishermen... the very wealthy mount collecting expeditions and go get their own... the last two means can net you some larger animals... Do study re sedation, transport of these animals... a specialized activity. Bob Fenner>

Sharks out-growing their homes 4/28/05
I am considering getting a bamboo shark. What I would like to know (that doesn't seem to be answered anywhere) is what to safely do with the shark when/if it out grows the tank? I know from experience that zoos will come to collect animals & transport them safely; do aquariums do this as well? I would rather do that then attempt to do it myself. Thanks so much! Kate 
<The answer to this dilemma is to never keep any animal unless you have the facilities to maintain it at it's full adult size. This includes the size of it's home as well as the budget to feed it, purchase suitable equipment, etc. Animals that have been kept as pets should never be released back into the wild, especially outside of its native range.
Zoos do come and collect animals from irresponsible owners, but only as a matter of public safety and at great expense to their institution and risk to their employees. Zoos and Public aquaria have strict policies against taking these animals in for many reasons - not the least of which is so that they don't encourage folks to keep animals that they shouldn't.
Captive bred bamboo sharks are available and are among the better sharks for the home aquarist, but a 36" x 96" tank should be considered a minimum. If you have the budget and desire go for it! Otherwise, please leave them to live long happy lives in the ocean. I am sorry if my tone seems a bit harsh, but my hope is that others with the same idea might find this message in the WWM FAQs and learn from it too. Best Regards! AdamC.>

Carcharhinus galapagensis Photo
Hey Folks,
<Dale>
That is a great daily photo. Here is the question, though: Do my eyes deceive me, or are those tangs swimming around that beast? Some kind of Acanthurus perhaps? Regards, Dale M.
<Mmm, similarly shaped... likely the most common fish in those islands, the bass Paranthias colonus. Bob Fenner> 

Shark Info Needed 4/15/05
<****Bob or Marina, please verify that this is not a duplicate response (the other is incomplete) and remove this and the following editorial text. Thanks! Adam****><<It's all good, Adam.  Marina>>
<Jovan, please excuse me if this is a duplicate response. I bumped a wrong key on my keyboard, and my incomplete answer to your questions disappeared!>
Hello, I am currently having a custom home built and am having an aquarium put in the ground, with three cement walls and one very thick acrylic wall. The acrylic wall is butted up to the house and ends up being part of the wall of the entertainment room in the basement. Above the aquarium is a small room for access to the aquarium and plumbing, etc. The tank is 10 feet wide, 10 feet long and allows for water 4 feet deep. The total volume is about 3000 gallons. 
<Wow! Every Aquarists Dream! When can I come visit? HA! Seriously though, let me stray from the topic and point out the concerns about humidity with such a large tank. Other aquarists have had to drain similar tanks in order to prevent severe moisture damage to their homes. Be sure to look into the Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) system. It allows large volumes of fresh air to be brought into your home without sacrificing heat or AC. Another VERY IMPORTANT consideration if you plan on keeping sharks in a concrete tank is rebar. It is standard practice to imbed steel "rebar" in poured concrete for strength. This imbedded steel can wreak havoc with sharks electrical sensory organs. Consult with your concrete contractor about using special grades of concrete that don't require rebar or possibly the use of non-metallic reinforcing materials.>
My question is, can I ethically keep Requiem sharks in my tank? I was thinking one of the following: Atlantic Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae), Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), or Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)? Would I be able to keep maybe 2 or 3 if I got an Atlantic Sharpnose, which grows to a max of three feet?
<The Atlantic Sharpnose are iffy at best. If you do choose these, you could keep more than one. Unfortunately the real issue is swimming space, not volume. Blacktips and Blacktip reef sharks are out of the question. At 10 and 6 feet adult length respectively and with free swimming behavior, it would be simply cruel to put them in the tank that you propose. I have seen Blacktip reef sharks in cylindrical tanks as small as about 15' in diameter, but the shape of the tank and swirling water movement allowed them to constantly cruise into the current.>
I would suggest that you consider Epaulettes, Port Jackson/horn, and Bamboo sharks as well as a couple of the smaller rays for many reasons. They stay smaller, they are less active and IMO, far more attractive/interesting. 
See here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharks.htm.  
In addition to being generally more suitable for aquarium life, these species are occasionally available as captive bred specimens from Tropicorium as well as some public aquaria (The latter will require some finesse to obtain, since AZA rules limit the practice of participating institutions releasing specimens to the commercial trade.) 
On this note... if you keep a healthy pair of sharks, they WILL breed. There is a very limited market for young sharks, and public aquaria WILL NOT accept them.
Also, please be aware that both tropical and temperate sharks enter the trade, and their lifespans will be greatly limited if they are kept at inappropriate temps. Maintaining the temperature of such a large volume of water can be a challenge, but if your tank is partially or mostly below grade, it might be easier to maintain temperate temperatures.>
Another thing is, if I got sharks, what should I coat the cement with to make it smooth so they won't scratch their stomachs? And is the tank being square a problem? Should I have the construction crew round out the corners? 
<I would suggest rounding all of the corners slightly (1-2 ft radius), even those between the walls and bottom. The bottom should be covered with a thin layer some kind of non abrasive calcareous substrate to prevent abrasions. (It should be easy and comfortable to plunge your hands into). The walls should be inspected for any protrusions, but should otherwise be sufficiently smooth. An appropriate coating will have to be applied to keep the water out of the concrete as well as alkalis from the concrete out of the water. (see more on this below)>
As far as care, I have no problem in paying someone from the local aquarium to help me. I do have some aquarium knowledge however, and have an extensive organic and inorganic chemistry background. Thanks in advance for your advice. Sincerely, Jovan 
<If you can get help from a professional aquarist, I would highly advise it. They will be better informed than us here at WWM when it comes to the commercial sized equipment (pumps, skimmer, filters, ozonizers, heater, chiller, etc.) that you will need as well as large system engineering (considerations like imbedding plumbing into the concrete). They will also be aware of the best/latest technology and local contractors for tank construction, concrete coatings, etc. They may also be of assistance in finding captive bred specimens. Having a good relationship with them will also come in handy in case of disease or illness. One last piece of advise: If you don't already have it, do get a copy of Scott Michael's "Sharks and Rays" book as well as the forthcoming "The Natural Marine Aquarium, Vol 2 Reef Fishes" by Anthony Calfo and Bob Fenner. Best Regards! AdamC.>

Shark info needed part 2 4/15/05
Thanks for your quick response. The aquarium is not actually part of the house, the foundation of the house has a 4 x 10 "slot" where the acrylic wall is. The aquarium room has its own foundation and is not accessible from the house. It has to be entered from the back yard. Should I still worry about humidity? 
<I would be sure that your contractor clearly understands what you have in mind. There are special products for damp locations (think locker room shower), including cementous wall board, special paints, etc. If your contractor seems to dismiss your concerns or otherwise doesn't give you a lot of confidence on this issue, I would seek the advice of an architect or engineer.>
If I got just one Atlantic Sharpnose, could I keep a bunch of small (2-6 inch) fish in there with it? 
<Sure... if you want to feed your shark small (2-6 inch) fish! Even a well fed shark is likely to at least try to eat just about anything that will fit in it's mouth. If you provide some reef type structure, you could probably keep some very small fish that would be too small for the shark to be interested in, and that could quickly duck for cover if the shark did take interest. As I stated in the original response, the issue is swimming space, not the volume of the tank or number of specimens. I will take another opportunity to dissuade you from considering this particular shark. These sharks cruise open flats in distances measured in hundreds of yards if not miles. A 100 square foot aquarium would represent a very cruel existence. The other sharks I listed (Epaulettes, Bamboo, horn) are reef associated sharks that rarely travel more than a few tens of yards at a time and are accustomed to living in and around structure as opposed to open water. They really are the best choices!>
One more thing, if I don't get a shark, I want to get a ray. I have read on one website that there is a max. 2 ft. devil ray in Australia called the Mobula diabolus, but I have not been able to find any more information on it. Does it exist? Of all the rays I like the manta/devil rays most, but they are all too big. If this one exists, it would be great. Also, when is the new book coming out approximately? Thanks Jovan 
<I am not sure when the book is coming out, but you will hear about it here first! If you have questions about the validity or ID of a fish species, www.fishbase.org is the place to go. According to fishbase, Mobula diabolus does exist. However, it is not Australian and it grows to about 15 feet!. Also, all of the Mantas are pelagic (open ocean swimmers). You will have to settle for bottom dwellers in addition to small size. Do look here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/rays.htm for some advice on which skates and rays are reasonable choices. Best Regards. AdamC.>

Aquarium Sharks & Rays Book (4/12/05)
Aquarium Sharks and Rays:
<by Scott W. Michael>
I accidentally bought the one published in 2001, not the newer one published in 2003. Are there any big differences? What are the updates? Worth getting the newer one? 
<Unless it states "revised" or "updated" on the cover, it is unlikely that there have been any changes. Sometimes you can figure this out by checking the publishing history on the copyright page. Your best bet would be to contact the publisher via their website here: http://www.tfhpublications.com/default.aspx?pageid=6  I hope this helps, Steve Allen.>

A question about Spiny Pygmy Sharks - First, What are They?
Dear Wet Web Media,
I was wondering if I could order a Dwarf Shark, also know as the Spiny Pygmy Shark. If not, could you please tell me if there is a company that sells them. 
<Mmm, never heard of them... nor has fishbase.org...>
Since they only grow up to 6 inches, could I keep it in a 29-Gallon Tank? If not, what size? How much are they? What size tank should I keep two in? What kind of prey should I give them?
Thank You,
Chris Hon
<Is this a freshwater species, a minnow-shark? Do you have a scientific name, a reference you can send? Bob Fenner>

New bamboo shark
I hope I have not gotten in over my head but it is too late now. I have just taken possession of a 3 foot bamboo shark. My first shark experience. It is in a 1000 gal tank 6'x6'x4' tall. It spent the night on the airlines. I acclimated it and it seems to be doing fine 6 hrs later. My temp is 80.9 degrees and specific gravity 1.022.
<I would raise this to NSW... 1.025>
I turned my chiller down to 79.0. How soon should I feed it?
<In a few days>
There are not any spots for it to hide in my reef structure- how necessary is creating a cave for it? What is the best way to get food down to it? Thanks, Tim
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm 
See the article and FAQs links? There is much more for you to know. Read my friend. Bob Fenner> 

Shark de Mac
Hi all, 
<Hi Mark, MacL here with you today.> 
I am only 15 and I am new in sharks, but not in fish. 
<I started very young as well Mark.> 
I have 3 aquariums and I love them. My favorite one is a 55 gallon with freshwater barracuda. But anyways I was wondering about the blackbanded shark. 
<Are you talking about the blackbanded bamboo shark Chiloscyllium griseum? If so before you buy this fish and or egg I hope you do a lot of research about them. They aren't a very exciting fish, they don't move around a lot and most people that get sharks tend to be disappointed.> 
I am very interested in getting an egg. I am planning on making an aquarium, what do you think of that? 
<I build tanks myself so I'm a big advocate of it.> 
Is it easy and cost not as much money as to buy one? 
<Truthfully I think you can get it just as cheaply by watching LFS specials and watching for people selling them used.> 
I want to get an egg and watch it hatch, but I only want to have it until it gets about 10 inches then give to my LFS. 
<Okay two things here, its great to watch them hatch and absolutely fascinating but you should be aware that a lot of LFS will not take sharks in and in fact will only do special orders on them. They take a lot of time and space to take care of and can be a major pain to work with. Before you get the shark make sure you have an adequate place for it to go. Check to make sure that your fish store will take it back.> 
I want to do this because I don't have enough money to buy a 300 gallon tank! 
<Perhaps it might be best to wait until you can afford a 200 gallon tank.> 
Will this work in a 100 gallon tank? 
<It will more than likely outgrow the 100 gallon tank.> 
Can I put one other fish in with it like a grouper? 
<In my experience it very well might outgrow a 100 gallon tank quickly. Groupers are very fast, voracious eaters and might out compete your shark. Good luck, MacL> 

Youngster seeking sharks 3/22/05
Hi I am a beginner at sharks, but not at fish. My biggest tank right now is a 55 gallon with fresh water barracuda. I have been doing research about sharks for about 3 months now and I am very interested in getting a black- banded shark. 
<ah, good... the bamboo and epaulette sharks are some of the only suitable species for home aquariums>
What do you think about building an aquarium?
<it snot difficult to do after you've had some experience helping others build tanks. Go to Amazon.com and look up a book called the "Living Aquarium" by Crescent books. It gives illustrated instructions for how to build aquariums>
I am only 15 but I have one other salt water tank with some clowns in it, so I do have experience in salt water too. Could I keep a black- banded shark egg in a 110 gallon tank?
<yes... you can my friend>
And when he gets to be about 10 inches I am planning on giving him to my LFS because the tank would be to small for him and I don't want him to be sad, I know they would take him.
<I appreciate your empathy, but must advise you to not/ever keep fish this way. To be responsible aquarists, we need to be able to provide for the fishes whole lifespan. Relying on dumping the fish on someone else later is poor habit/husbandry>
Give me all the info you know.
<please do take the time to read through our extensive FAQs and other info in the archives here at WetWebMedia.Com... or... do a Google search from that same page>
Thank you a lot
<best regards, Anthony>

My shark story
Hi guys, let me first say wonderful web site! If I had only seen it first! if you could please post this:
<Gladly>
Here is my story, I'm going into my third year at saltwater, many as six years in freshwater. but all tanks are saltwater now. my first year at saltwater I knew I needed the biggest tank possible I could afford 72x24x24, also pieces of live rock, then it hit me , I wanted to try a shark!!!!! A Brownbanded bamboo was it. Well all too often people are ILL advised to these wonderful animals. I went out and bought a egg case and put into my tank, over several months I did my homework, to make the best home for my shark. I had changed everything around, filters (BIGGER) protein skimmer (BIGGER), water changes more (every week), not to mention, the overtime I had to work for just one fish! it was worth it! and one day the egg hatched! it was a female. This little shark brought me more meaning into my life. and remember the only fish in this tank. As months went by, I kept a log on everything from test of the water to how she was growing, even the math to get her weight. All these tests that was the work. She was eating great, taking her vitamins as instructed by public aquariums, I invested my time off at these places to learn as much as I could about her. Well, what a shock I got when someone told me, they can get up to four feet sometimes! So now I had to think what to do next? I was so attached, I could not let her go. A bigger tank was the answer, well I could not afford a bigger tank last year so I started saving. I also went searching to see how long she could live alone in this size tank of 180 gallons. I was told about three years, then need a bigger home. she made her 11th month with no problems at about 15 inches. Then it went downhill! She stopped eating and I noticed things were changing, she was having what was identified as seizures, and started developing a large lump on the very top of her head. Growing from inside, well back to the public aquariums, web sites and books (sharks and rays) Scott Michael. now my bible, most said it was goiter, but I believed different, this bump was in the wrong spot. Well she never ate again and continued to have seizures, it was killing me, so I decided not to let her suffer anymore, as I prepared to end this , it was close to her one year birthday. All I did was cry, so I got a large (fish) transport bag, took her out of the tank, she was soo weak, there was not a single struggle from her. And into the freezer she went. It was like I had lost part of my life, but determined to find cause! After many Aquariums looking at her photos, we think it is a tumor (rare) but happens. I'm still waiting to have some expert look at her in person and not in photos. So she waits as do I for answers. My 180 gallon sits very empty, no water etc., and I had failed to do what I was set out to do, have her live a long and happy life. I thought about trying again with a different shark the coral cat or the marble cat from Australia. But I want to do thing right. I know one of these will fit my 180 gallon all by it self for a long time, if gotten small, but I will hold out for now. so folks PLEASE DO NOT EVEN BUY THE SMALLEST SHARKS unless you have the means to dedicate all of your time, and even though I did I still failed. I will not stop trying to figure out what went wrong, until then she (BOOBOO), will always be with me. I have started a 72 gallon reef to keep me busy and in good practice of great water parameters. Everything is growing and looking great. I still visit and talk with people who are in public aquariums, and spend time with the most wonderful small sharks. this is my story thank you  SUNDEE!  please email me at above address on you thoughts again thank you.
<Thank you for relating your experiences... Am sure we are of very similar mind re the captive husbandry, use of marine sharks. Bob Fenner>

Response to shark story
   Thank you for letting me know you have gotten my story. is there any way to send some photos to you, to see what your take is on this matter? I know this will take time, and I am willing to keep learning about these sharks . thanks for all you do. SUNDEE
<Yes my friend. Attach, send them here. Bob Fenner>

Scaredy Sharks of Yellow
Dear Sir,
My 4-year-old daughter asked me why shark is afraid of yellow color. I even
don't know if it is true. I wonder if you can help me to find the answer for
her questions. Thanks.
Kerri Yan
<Hello Kerri,  I'm thinking sharks can't see colors, they see brightness of colors.  Divers wearing yellow have been attacked by sharks so I'm thinking color doesn't matter.  Sharks usually attack shapes.  Like someone in a wetsuit on a surfboard closely resembles a seal which are prime time food for great whites.  James (Salty Dog)>

Needing to sell or trade a 17 inch banded reef shark 12/31/04
It is eating smelt, krill and silversides and is beautiful, but it is in a 125.  I had planned on upgrading but am unable to do so.  Where can I go?  No pet store here in the Milwaukee area can handle one this size.
<This is a difficult but all too common problem.  If you have a local aquarium society, they may be able to help.  You may also try one of the large discussion boards like www.reefcentral.com.  Dick Perrin at Tropicorium (see www.tropicorium.com) in Romulus Michigan has developed a soft spot for sharks and has appropriate quarters for them.  He may be willing to accept the animal and also has the expertise to suggest/arrange successful transportation techniques.
Also, while I dread to even suggest this, you may want to check with any public aquariums or zoos with large aquariums that are within driving distance.  Most have very strict policies against accepting any animals from private individuals (with the very good reason of not wanting to encourage the keeping of inappropriate animals), but some will "bend the rules" for desirable specimens.  For future readers of this message in the FAQ's:  ZOOS AND PUBLIC AQUARIUMS SHOULD NOT BE DUMPING GROUNDS OR BACK-UP PLANS FOR ANIMALS THAT GROW TOO LARGE TO BE KEPT BY THE HOME HOBBYIST.  Best Regards.  AdamC.>

Shark link
Hey, Bobster
a nifty link chock full of info on Elasmobranchs (you
know the publication) :)
http://www.colszoo.org/internal/dru...pdf/2004SS2.pdf
over 200 pages of info... tremendous bibliog./refs to
run down.
Ant :)
<Mmm, their site opens but not this page for me. Will post to WWM. BobF>

Re: shark link
> <Mmm, their site opens but not this page for me.
> Will post to WWM. BobF>
strange... it does not open for me either form the
e-mail, but does from the original one I got (same
URL)
there seems to be a redirect:
http://www.colszoo.org/internal/drum_croaker/pdf/2004SS2.pdf
does this link work for you?
Ant-
<Yes. Thanks. B>

Sharks in aquaria - 12/6/04
Hi there
I have a large tank in my living room (I forget how many gallons, but its about 7x2x2ft) the tank is over 2 yrs old and has had many occupants in its time, I am experienced in shark/ray keeping also, I had a brown banded bamboo shark from and egg to a length of 14 inches, when it became ill and died after an illness (which I didn't take well). <this tank still seems too small for a single shark. 210 gallons or 792 liters is likely fine but it is not a very wide tank. I would be happier with 5 ft. long by 5 ft. wide by 2 feet high. Long and wide is much more suitable for shark and ray keeping. Even better would be a rounded interior. In any event you might possibly get away with one shark. There is a chance that it will be detrimental to its health to remain in a tank of this size as full term adult. Again, this is not a personal attack on you or your abilities. I just don't think the casual aquarist have the tools needed to successfully keep sharks long term. (I realize this is a generalized statement, no harm is meant by this)>
My tank is specially designed for a shark, it was the reason I first started in terms of shelter, lighting and filtration it is very well suited for young sharks. <Maybe you can expand on my above comments as well as the ones you have just stated.>
I have found it very hard to find another shark the same size as the one I lost, its a very unusual size to buy. So I have been thinking of buying 3 juvenile sharks (brown banded, white spot and marble cat sharks)
I had the previous shark for 2 yrs and there was still way more space than it needed, so I don't see any problem with this, <Really? Do you think all there is to aquaria is that there is plenty of room (space) for movement? I am sure you don't, Scott. Now, to be honest outside of professional aquariums, I (and I believe most all of us here at WetWebMedia.Com) don't actually condone the keeping of sharks in aquaria because of the lack of expertise and needed knowledge the casual aquarium keeper has access to or the lack of real ability to provide these rather peculiar animals.> the ray is still alive and the sharks are unlikely to bother each other would you agree? <The shark choices you have made above may likely not have a problem with said ray, but you never know as each animal has a different personality based on many things. I just think you are going to be too cramped.> and in terms of size bearing the last sharks growth in mind I don't see a problem, the tank is 99% swimming space with just enough cover needed. <read my above statements. I just don't have all the needed info here to quantify the statement. Filtration will need to be awesome! Proper sand bed as these sharks tend to be less active and remain in a solitary state in one place for some time. The sharks will need the ability to easily turn themselves around (adult size) 2 feet wide just doesn't seem like enough. It will stress the animal out over time to not easily be able to turn around. Three animals will be even more stressful for their turning ability>
I really want to get them but only if its a good idea. <I don't really think this is a great idea, personally. There is more to shark keeping than just swimming space. (although this is super important) There is more to shark keeping than just filtration. What about diet? What about disease control and treatment? Environment? Water chemistry stability? This is easy enough with one shark, but three? If you are to get one or God forbid three, please look into the above with vigor and detail, my friend. Also add vitamin supplementation to your diet. The most often overlooked detail in diet. Check with www.mazuri.com. The shark/ray tabs are excellent. For the record, I have never and will never keep a shark in captivity for personal use, but a certain place I work at does (see my bio) and that is where my knowledge originates> Please email me your opinion and publish the question on your sight if poss. <Will do>.... I was going to get the sharks on Monday so an email before then would be great! <I hope I am not too late! Despite my rant, I really want to thank you for coming to WetWebMedia and asking your question. It is a very important one and I appreciate your taking the time to ask it here. ~Paul Mansur>
Many thanks in advance.
Scott

Link trade with our shark site. Pagerank 7
Hello,
<Hi there>
We Noticed you have a site related to sharks or the keyword sharks.  
<Yes>
We Own A Domain that has a Page Rank of 7, most of our pages are
PR 6 at this time. We would like to Know if you wanted to Trade links.
<Uhh...>
If your page has a Pagerank of 4-6 then we would add your link to one
of our pages which is also pr 4-6 until our links page is at least a
pr4 then we would move your link there.
If your page has a Pagerank of 7-10 we would add your link to our
sharks category on our Index of our domain.
<Don't have a clue as to what Page Ranking device you're referring to, and we're not interested in being ranked...>
All we ask is that you do the same in return.
<Will gladly link your site if it has worthwhile, pertinent content>
This will increase both of our sites ranking and cost nothing except
a simple small link on our pages.
Let us know if your interested in doing this.
Also if you have other sites which are even non related to sharks
with a Pagerank of at least 4 please list them in your reply as we
are always looking for link trades.
Thanks
CG
http://www.sharks.com/
<Will take a look, add your link tomorrow. Bob Fenner>

Monterey Bay Aquarium Great White Shark - 9/22/04
Hi Paul, <Helllooooooooo. Sorry for the lack of an immediate response. Been pretty hectic lately.>
   How's the new female Great White Shark doing? <Excellent. She has been eating around 4% of her body weight a day and displaying what we feel is very normal behavior. She is also healing very well as well. We couldn't be happier!>> Heard she already ate three times! <Actually, more than that, but any Great White Sharking eating in captivity is good!!> What a Major milestone for keeping this Awesome shark in captivity. <Agreed. Manny Ezcurra and Scott Greenwald and all the management and support staff have done an absolute stellar job. Stars all of 'em, IMO> Bet the aquarium is packing them in to see her. <Actually, YES, we are. I have never seen lines all year like the ones we had Saturday an hour before opening. Incredible!> I'd love to hear any info you have on her keeping so far. <Well, she is about 4 ft 4 inches and she has the look of a great white. The tunas, molas, and barracuda all seem to keep a distance from her. Very interesting behavior to me. Here is our official info: http://www.mbayaq.org/news/Default.asp?bhcp=1> I work with a research group here in SoCal on near shore Sharks and Rays, check us out at sharkandraycount.com. <Will do> Thx to all the crew and Bob for such a Great website!~ <Agreed. A great and valuable resource for all.! Thanks for being part of it all!!! I am sure I will see you at the Aquarium at some point, eh? ~Paul>
Mark C.

Keeping Big Sharks (9/13/04)
Hi, <Hello. Steve Allen with you again Alex.>
I have a few questions about a shark. I believe that my LFS has a Juv. "white tip reef shark" (not black tip) in an approx. 1000 gal aquarium. <Grrrr.> They are very fascinating, but I do not know of any that have been kept in a home aquarium, although public aquariums do. They aren't huge when full grown (around 5
feet), <Per Scott Michael around 8 feet.> so a tank around 2,000 - 5,000 gal. might be the size? <Per Scott Michael in "Aquarium Sharks and Rays," the minimum size is 8,400 gallons.> I am only 14 and only own a 12 gal. "mini-reef" <Fun, but definitely requires close attention to water quality.> (going strong, but I discovered bristle worms a few hours ago, gotta do some research on them), <Most are generally harmless and actually beneficial.> so a tank that size is not going to happen soon. <Unless you get really rich someday, I'd say never.> Anyways, I want to know if there is anyone currently keeping White Tips in the aquarium, as I can't find anyone by doing searches. <If I did, I'd give hem a piece of my mind, because it would be exceedingly rare to have a large enough tank in a home.> I would love to talk to them! Thanks for the great site, I have been reading it 3 - 4 hours a day for the past week :) <Don't forget to do your schoolwork and have a proper 14 y/o social life!>
Alex, California <Where in CA? Perhaps you can go see sharks at one of the excellent public aquaria in the state--Monterey Bay is a great facility.>
P.S. - It's too bad for the nurse shark in with the white tip, most definitely suffering. <I think that this is truly heinous abuse on the part of retailers. I gave my LFS an earful recently about selling Nurse Sharks. (For 500 gallon tanks!) These big sharks should not be sold to private individuals. Personally, I hope this becomes law someday.> I don't understand how people can purchase animals without a clue about them. <Ya got me. Go figure.> C'MON! I have never bought an animal without at LEAST a few HOURS a day of research for at least a WEEK! <Smart. This habit will serve you well through the years.> I almost SCREAMED when I read about a lady w/5 sharks in a 55 tank. Have you read that FAQ? <Hmm, I missed that one. Too bad she can't be locked in a closet for a couple of weeks to learn how it feels.> I feed t