Brown smooth-hound (Mustelus henlei) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Triakidae (houndsharks)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
100 cm
Temperature
20–24°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Care level
expert
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank and decor: at 100 cm adult length this shark outgrows home aquaria and is for public-aquarium-sized systems. The list quotes a minimum of 1200 US gallons (about 4540 litres), and as an active swimmer it needs a long, round-cornered or oval system with open swimming space. Strong filtration and a secure cover are essential. Water: the list describes it as a subtropical species. Our sources give no further figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 20–24 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. A chiller is usually needed. Sharks are sensitive to copper and many other medications. Behaviour and identification: an active subtropical shark. The list says it does best in circular or oval tanks, jumps out of uncovered tanks and is more prone to shipping stress than many sharks. At up to 100 cm it is for public-aquarium-sized systems. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Carnivorous. Feed a varied diet of meaty marine foods such as squid, prawn, mussels, clams and fish pieces, with a vitamin and iodine supplement to help prevent goitre. Feed two or three times a week to appetite rather than daily; overfeeding causes fast growth and health problems.

Breeding

Our sources for this page give no species-specific breeding details.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: it eats crustaceans and small fish. Needs open water and calm, large tankmates.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

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  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
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  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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