Bamboo Sharks are a type of shark that lives in shallow waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific. They are also known as ‘Longtail Carpet Sharks.’ How big do bamboo sharks get? Short answer: they stay relatively small. The length of a giant Bamboo Shark can reach up to 121cm.
But how many gallons does a bamboo shark need?
What size tank does a shark need?
What is a bamboo shark minimum tank size?
Small sharks are all the rage when it comes to keeping pets. This blog will shed light on the tank size required for Bamboo Sharks. Let’s dive right in!
Types of Bamboo Sharks
Before discussing tank sizes, it is better to know about the different types of Bamboo Sharks. The following are the different types of Bamboo Sharks available in the water.
The Brown banded Bamboo Shark
They are a bottom-dwelling species found in the coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They are small; hence they can only grow up to a maximum length of 3 feet.
They also live between the shore and the reef on muddy sea floors as they hunt crabs and worms at night. These sharks can survive out of water for hours; therefore, they are popular in aquariums.
The Grey Bamboo Shark
These sharks live in the Indo-West Pacific Oceans at depths between 5 to 100 m below. Adult gray Bamboo Sharks are gray with brown or off-white undersides, while the young have 12 dark saddle bands which fade as they grow old.
These sharks have a limited diet, as they only eat small fish, shrimps, worms, and crabs. Adult sharks typically grow to a length of 55cm.
White spotted Bamboo Shark
Another name for the Whitespotted Bamboo Shark is the Speckled Bamboo Shark. These sharks are kept as pets in large home aquariums as they have the potential to grow up to 93 centimeters long.
They usually have dark spots on their skin. Like all Bamboo Sharks mentioned, they are also nocturnal predators as they feed on small fish and crustaceans. They are harmless creatures, and they primarily do not harm humans.
What Size Tank Does a Shark Need?
The size of a tank depends entirely on the shark species. Some species, such as the reef shark, can be kept in tanks as small as 100 gallons, while larger species, such as the whale shark, require several hundred thousand gallons.
It is essential to understand that the size of tanks varies from species to species. Therefore, we cannot specify a size for every shark.
Here are some additional tips about the relationship between sharks and water tank size.
- The tank size should be at least three times the size of the maximum growth of a shark.
- The aquarium’s width should be at least twice the shark’s size.
- Try using a hexagonal or circular shaped aquarium for your shark so that the sharks can swim freely.
- Avoid decorating the tank too much. However, sharks love to hide. Therefore, you must put something in the aquarium for the shark to hide in.
- Constantly change the aquarium’s water to maintain the shark’s health.
- Ensure that the hiding place is a manageable size. So the shark doesn’t get stuck in the hiding place.
- Place the tank in a secure area.
- The tank should avoid noise and other factors that may annoy sharks.
Minimum Size Tank Required for Bamboo Sharks
Specifying a particular number for a bamboo shark’s minimum tank size is difficult. However, as an estimate, we need a minimum of a 55-gallon tank for petting Bamboo Sharks. A tank smaller than this might not be appropriate for Bamboo Sharks.
Furthermore, we should use such small tanks only for baby Bamboo Sharks. On the other hand, small-sized gallon tanks are not recommended for adult-sized Bamboo Sharks because specific Bamboo Sharks increase in size rapidly. Therefore, we’re supposed to use large-sized tanks for Bamboo Sharks.
How Many Gallons Does a Bamboo Shark Need?
As mentioned in the previous paragraphs, it is difficult to note a specific number for the gallon size. However, we can assess the required gallon size for all the relevant factors.
Baby Bamboo Shark’s Tank Requirements
Baby Bamboo Sharks are small; hence you do not need big fish tanks. Your tank should be at least 55 gallons big if you want to put your baby Bamboo Shark in the aquarium. However, you must know that it will only be feasible for 2-3 months. When the Bamboo Shark grows, this tank will be useless for you.
Brown banded Bamboo Shark’s Tank Requirements
These sharks are relatively challenging to care for compared to other Bamboo Sharks. Therefore, we only recommend petting them if you are an expert. In addition, these sharks need a minimum of 180 gallons if you want to pet them.
We do not recommend smaller tanks for brown-banded Bamboo Sharks because they increase in size quickly. To keep things easier for you and your pets, you must use a 200-gallon fish tank for them. That way, you will also be able to accommodate other smaller fish species.
Grey Bamboo Shark’s Tank Requirements
A juvenile gray bamboo shark can be kept in a tank as small as 60 gallons. However, keeping it over there for a long time is impractical. Therefore, the minimum size required for an adult gray bamboo shark is 180 gallons. They require utmost care and attention. If you think you won’t be able to take care of gray sharks properly, you should not pet them. Certainty is key.
White-spotted Bamboo Shark’s Tank Requirements
These sharks usually have a size ranging from 3.54 to 4.72 inches. The male white-spotted Bamboo Sharks have bigger sizes than the female ones. In addition, they have black spots all around their bodies. Their size and adaptable nature make them a popular choice in public aquariums.
The white-spotted Bamboo Sharks’ requirements are similar to the other types of Bamboo Sharks. The minimum size required for a white-spotted bamboo shark is 180 gallons. However, they are relatively minor than the other two Bamboo Sharks. Hence, you can fit it into a slightly smaller fish tank.
Conclusion
You must be careful if you plan to pet a Bamboo Shark. If you are an amateur, we do not recommend putting Bamboo Sharks inside your home. Only opt for this if you have prior experience petting sharks. Otherwise, try petting other fish species before you pet a shark.
Additionally, you need to set up a fish tank of at least 200 gallons if you are planning to pet Bamboo Sharks. The minimum tank size required is 180 gallons. Therefore, buying a fish tank three times bigger than the minimum required length is wise. You must purchase a bigger fish tank if you want to keep multiple sharks in the fish tank.
It is essential to choose a big tank to accommodate the sharks so they can swim comfortably. The tank should also have a sound filtration system and a heating system to maintain the appropriate water temperature for the shark. In addition, Bamboo Sharks are nocturnal animals that require a dark place to hide during the day.
Therefore, it is essential to have a suitable hiding place in the tank for the shark to feel comfortable.
In the end, ensure that you research properly before making any final decision. In the end, every pet deserves your utmost care and attention.
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