Chiloscyllium plagiosum

Datasheet

General Description

The Marbled Bamboo Cat Shark, also known as the Whitespotted Bamboo Shark, features a brown body adorned with broad tan stripes and spots, resembling the appearance of a cat due to the barbels near its mouth. This bottom-dwelling shark is relatively small in size, reaching a maximum length of about 7.6cm.

Aquarium Suitability (Expert Only)

This species is deemed suitable for expert aquarists only, mainly due to its aggressive temperament and specific care requirements. They require a large aquarium, with a minimum size of 1134 litres (300 gallons) when fully grown. It is crucial to provide a sandy substrate to prevent any potential abdominal scratches that may lead to infections.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

The Marbled Bamboo Cat Shark is a carnivorous species, needing a diet comprising high-quality foods such as whole cockles, fresh shrimp, squid, and frozen mussels. Avoid exposing them to copper-based medications, as it can be harmful. These sharks need stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) between 8-12.

Reef Suitability

Not recommended for reef aquariums due to their aggressive nature and predatory behavior. They may pose a threat to smaller tank mates and invertebrates typically found in reef environments.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Marbled Bamboo Cat Shark, ensure a spacious tank with ample swimming room and hiding places. Incorporate live rock structures and caves to mimic its natural habitat. Maintain pristine water quality with regular monitoring of parameters to support the shark's well-being.

Behaviour

These sharks are known to be aggressive and territorial, especially towards tank mates and other bottom-dwelling species. Providing adequate space and suitable hiding spots can help reduce potential aggression within the aquarium.

Feeding and Diet

To entice the Marbled Bamboo Cat Shark to feed initially, offer small pieces of cleaned squid or live saltwater feeder shrimp. Subsequently, diversify their diet with shrimp, scallops, and fresh marine fish. Maintaining a varied diet enriched with quality foods is essential for their overall health.

Habitat and Distribution

The Marbled Bamboo Cat Shark, scientifically known as Chiloscyllium plagiosum, is commonly found in the home aquarium trade. In the wild, these sharks reside in the shallow coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region, favoring sandy and reef-associated habitats for shelter and foraging.