Brownbanded bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Banded catshark
Family
Hemiscylliidae (bamboo sharks)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
132 cm
Temperature
24–27°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 132 cm adult length this shark outgrows home aquaria and is for public-aquarium-sized systems. The list quotes a minimum of 170 US gallons (about 640 litres), with a large footprint of open sand and smooth rockwork. Strong filtration and a secure cover are essential. Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. Sharks are sensitive to copper and many other medications. Behaviour and identification: a nocturnal bottom-dweller. Juveniles are strongly banded; the list notes the bands give it its other name. It is one of the most common sharks in the North American trade, adapts easily and breeds in aquaria, though juveniles can be slow to start feeding; try small pieces of squid or prawn on a feeding stick. At up to 132 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

The list says this shark breeds in aquaria. Our sources for this page give no species-specific breeding details.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: it digs in the sand, knocks over unsecured rock and eats crabs, shrimps, snails and small fish. Keep it with large, peaceful fish that will not nip it, and avoid triggerfish, large angelfish and puffers, which may bite fins and skin.

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

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