Coral catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Scyliorhinidae (catsharks)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
70 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Care level
expert
Temperament
aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank and decor: at 70 cm adult length this shark outgrows home aquaria and is for public-aquarium-sized systems. The list quotes a minimum of 110 US gallons (about 420 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 slender, nocturnal catshark with a busy pattern of spots and saddles. The list says two colour variants are common in US shops. It is often sold as the marbled catshark, which is a different species (Atelomycterus macleayi), so check the scientific name. At up to 70 cm it is for public-aquarium-sized systems or very large private ones. 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. The list warns that it hunts at night and will try to eat fish kept with it, even ones too large to swallow. Keep it alone or only with large, robust fish.

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

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