Nurse Sharks
Ginglymostoma
cirratum
Description:The nurse shark is a large, sluggish,
bottom-dwelling shark that is generally harmless unless provoked.
It has very strong jaws, a stout body, and a wide head with obvious
barbels (thin, fleshy, whisker-like organs on the lower jaw in
front of the nostrils that sense touch and taste). The fourth
and fifth gill slits are very close together. The dorsal fins
(on the shark's back) are almost the same size and are rounded.
Behind each eye there is a spiracle, an organ that takes in water
used for breathing when the shark rests at the bottom. The skin
is dark gray-brown on top and some nurse sharks, especially the
young, have spots. The nurse shark is smoother to the touch than
most other sharks. They are nocturnal hunters that rest during
the day in groups. Nurse sharks do well in captivity. No one
is sure how they got their name; it might be because they make
a sucking sound that is a little like the sound of a nursing
baby. The nurse shark is a common inshore bottom dwelling shark,
found in tropical and subtropical waters on the continental and
insular shelves. It is frequently found at depths of one meter
or less but may occur down to 12 m. Its common habitats are reefs,
channels between mangrove islands and sand flats. It occurs in
the Western Atlantic from Rhode Island down to southern Brazil;
in the Eastern Atlantic from Cameroon to Gabon (and possibly
ranges further north and south); in the Eastern Pacific from
the southern Baja California to Peru; and around the islands
of the Caribbean.
Recommended
Tank: Nurse
Sharks are only for Extremely large 1000 gallon plus aquariums
such as found in zoos or research institutions.
Food and
diet:Their
diet consists of a large number of marine invertebrates - spiny
lobsters, crabs, shrimp, sea urchins, octopuses, squid, and marine
snails and bivalves.
Reef Compatability:
No
Level of
Care: Difficult
Approximate
Purchase Size:
15" to 20"
Please note:
We guarantee
that ALL aquaria species we offer will arrive alive and in good
condition. However, because of the increased level of care required
for this particular species, it has been designated as "Advanced
Aquarist Only." This species is recommended only for the
advanced marine aquarist, zoo, or research institution. |
$499.99
|
Port Jackson Shark
Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Description:The Port Jackson shark, Heterodontus
portusjacksoni, is a nocturnal, oviparous type of bullhead shark
of the family Heterodontidae, found in the coastal region of
southern Australia, including the waters off Port Jackson. It
has a large head with prominent forehead ridges and dark brown
harness-like markings on a lighter grey-brown body. This pattern
makes it very easy to identify this species. Port Jackson sharks
are similar to other organisms in their genus, bearing a broad,
flat head, an anal fin, and crests above its eyes. However, the
species possesses characteristics that make them easily identifiable—their
teeth and the harness-like markings which run for a majority
of their body length. The sharks have gray-brown bodies covered
by black banding, which covers a large portion of their sides
and back. One of these band winds over the face and progresses
even to the shark's eyes. Another, harness shaped band goes around
the back, continuing until the pectoral fins and sides. Thin
dark stripes are also present on the back of Port Jackson sharks.
These progress from the caudal fin to the first dorsal fin.
Recommended
Tank: 300
gallon plus aquariums. It requires sand as the substrate as the
abdomen is easily scratched by a coarser substrate, which may
lead to an infection. It should never be exposed to copper-based
medications.
Food and
diet:It is
a difficult fish to acclimate and may not eat. When first introduced
into the aquarium, small pieces of cleaned squid or live saltwater
feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. Then
it may be fed shrimp, scallops or pieces of fresh marine fish.
Reef Compatability:
No
Level of
Care: Difficult
Approximate
Purchase Size:
10" to 16"
Please note:
We guarantee
that ALL aquaria species we offer will arrive alive and in good
condition. However, because of the increased level of care required
for this particular species, it has been designated as "Advanced
AquaristOnly." This species is recommended only for the
advanced marine aquarist, zoo, or research institution. |
$749.99
|
Epaulette Shark
Hemiscyllium
ocellatum
Description:Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum)
is an Australian native that adapts well to aquarium life. Initially,
it may be hesitant to feed. Squid or any available Feeder Shrimp
can help entice its appetite. Food soaked in preparations such
as Garlic Guard have also been known to help in this process.
Sharks in captivity should typically be food a few prey items
a few times a week. The Epaulette tends to be a nocturnal feeder
and, to some extent, is more of a nocturnal animal. It will tolerate
other sharks in the same aquarium, but two males from this family
(which includes the Bamboo Cat Shark and Marbled Cat Sharks)
may act territorial. When provided with the proper care, the
Epaulette Shark is possibly one of the best sharks to maintain
for experienced home aquarists.
Recommended
Tank: 180
gallon plus aquariums. It requires sand as the substrate as the
abdomen is easily scratched by a coarser substrate, which may
lead to an infection. It should never be exposed to copper-based
medications.
Food and
diet:It is
a difficult fish to acclimate and may not eat. When first introduced
into the aquarium, small pieces of cleaned squid or live saltwater
feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. Then
it may be fed shrimp, scallops or pieces of fresh marine fish.
Reef Compatability:
No
Level of
Care: Difficult
Approximate
Purchase Size:
12" to 20"
Please note:
We guarantee
that ALL aquaria species we offer will arrive alive and in good
condition. However, because of the increased level of care required
for this particular species, it has been designated as "Advanced
AquaristOnly." This species is recommended only for the
advanced marine aquarist, zoo, or research institution. |
$599.99
|