Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Heterodontidae (bullhead sharks)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
165 cm
Temperature
20–24°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 165 cm adult length this shark outgrows home aquaria and is for public-aquarium-sized systems. The list quotes a minimum of 750 US gallons (about 2840 litres), with a large footprint of open sand and smooth rockwork. 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: a large bullhead shark with a harness-like dark pattern. The list says it may carry many parasites, so quarantine is essential, and that it eats small fish at night. At up to 165 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 small fish at night and crushes shellfish and crustaceans. Keep only with large fish it cannot catch.

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

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