Sharks

Sharks

Sharks are one of the oldest existing Vertebrates. They have a Cartilaginous Skeleton instead of Bones and possess a streamlined body. There are several species of Sharks divided across eight orders. Before we move ahead and find out what Fresh Marine has to offer, lets familiarize ourselves with the most feared fish in the oceans.

Compatibility. Sharks have aggressive behavior, which is linked to their Carnivorous food habit. They are not Reef Compatible and do the best in Fish Only Aquariums.

Habit & Habitat. Sharks are Benthic Dwellers and are most commonly found at the bottom, on Coral Reefs in the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

Morphology. Sharks have around five to seven Gill Slits, which are uncovered unlike the other fishes. A shark can be 9”-39’ long with Tail shapes varying from species to species. Sharks use their Tails to generate driving force and acceleration.

Ideal Marine Aquarium Environment. Sharks require a temperature range of 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit, specific gravity in the ambit of 1.020-1.025 and the pH value of 8.1-8.4. Sharks need large tanks, minimum 180 Gallons capacity, with the plenty of place to swim and hide. Keep sand as substrate in your aquarium, as the Abdomen of Sharks can be scratched by sharp substrates. This may result in infection.

Aquarium Feeding. As Sharks are Carnivores, they feed on chopped Crustaceans, Fish pieces, Shrimp, Shellfish, Worms, Crabs, and Squids.

Aquarium Breeding. Sharks lay eggs i.e. they are Oviparous. These eggs hatch in around 130 days.

Care. An Expert’s care is required in the case of Sharks, as they need high upkeep.

Some of the most popular Sharks available at Fresh Marine are listed below, according to their Family.

Family - Hemiscyllidae. The Barbels at the mouth of these Sharks resemble a cat’s beard, therefore the name Cat Shark.

Black Banded Cat Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum). Also known as Banded Cat Shark and Brownbanded Bamboo Shark, these Sharks have a Cream-colored body with dark Black streaks. Adult Cat Sharks do not show any particular color pattern but the young ones show dark stripes and spots. These Sharks grow up to 48” long.

Bamboo Cat Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum). Also known as Cat Shark and Banded Cat Shark, these are the smallest Sharks available, growing up to 48” in length. They need aquarium with an excellent Filtration System. These Sharks are meek & obedient, and do not swim around much. However, they are still powerful enough to displace large Rocks and Corals. Eggs of these Sharks are also available. Hatching time for the eggs is approximately 1-4 weeks.

Family - Orectolobidae.

Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum). These Sharks are thin looking and have a Dark Spot on their Pectoral Fin & sparsely all over the body. These Sharks are very docile by nature and remain hidden beneath the Coral. They are able to survive on low Oxygen in deep oceans. These Sharks grow up to 28.4” and feed on small fishes.

Wobbygong Shark (Orectobobus species). Also known as Japanese Wobbegong, these Sharks have frills around the mouth. Their blotched and streaked body gives them a camouflage effect. Growing up to 3m in length, these Sharks are Yellow-Green and Brown in color with Saddle & O-shaped patterns.

Family – Stegostomatidae. The Sharks of this Family are long and sleek and hence can move around easily in the search of food.

Zebra Shark (Stegostoma varium). The young ones of these Sharks have Zebra like Stripes but the adults have Brown Leopard like Spots. Therefore, they are referred with three different names, Zebra Shark, Leopard Shark, and Zebra/Leopard Shark. Growing up to 28.4”, these Sharks require a tank of at least 100 Gallons capacity.

Copyright © FreshMarine.com