Bamboo Cat Shark

Also known as Brownbanded Bamboo Shark, White-Spotted Bamboo Shark (juvenile)

The Bamboo Cat Shark is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly shark species for home aquariums, featuring distinctive dark brown bands on a lighter tan background as juveniles (bands fade with age). This hardy, docile, bottom-dwelling shark is an excellent choice for experienced aquarists wanting their first shark. Small, peaceful, and manageable, this species adapts exceptionally well to captivity and exhibits fascinating nocturnal behavior.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Chiloscyllium plagiosum
• Common Names: Brownbanded Bamboo Shark, Bamboo Cat Shark, Bamboo Shark
• Adult Size: Up to 36-42 inches
• Lifespan: 20-25+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Extremely docile; non-aggressive
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; predatory
• Minimum Tank Size: 360 gallons strongly preferred
• Experience Level: Advanced; best “beginner” shark for those with large tanks

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires large tank with extensive open sand bed for resting and nocturnal foraging. Provide caves, overhangs, and smooth hiding spots. Strong water circulation with calm bottom areas. No sharp decorations or rough surfaces. Rounded corners preferred.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• Salinity: 1.023-1.026
• pH: 8.0-8.4
• Pristine water quality essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• High-capacity filtration system (heavy bioload)
• Large protein skimmer
• Strong water circulation (4,000+ GPH)
• UV sterilization recommended
• Sand substrate mandatory (fine to medium)

These maintain excellent water quality for this messy predator.

Diet & Feeding

Bamboo Cat Sharks are carnivorous bottom-feeding predators.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Fresh or frozen whole fish (silversides, lance fish, smelt)
• Variety: Fresh shrimp (whole with shells), squid, scallops, clams, mussels
• Live Foods: Ghost shrimp, small crabs (occasional enrichment)
• Supplements: Vitamin-enriched foods 2-3 times weekly

Feeding Frequency: 3-4 times weekly; substantial meals

Special Note: Nocturnal feeder; feed during evening or with lights dimmed for best results. May require target feeding if housed with aggressive daytime feeders. Uses barbels to locate food by smell and touch.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Only with large fish too big to swallow
• Extremely Peaceful: One of the most docile shark species
• Multiple Sharks: Can be kept with other peaceful sharks in very large systems
• Predatory: Will eat any fish small enough to consume

Notes & Considerations

• THE most popular shark species for home aquariums.
• Juvenile pattern: distinctive dark brown bands on tan background.
• Bands fade with age; adults develop spotted patterns.
• White spots may appear as sharks mature.
• Extremely docile and harmless to humans; can be handled carefully.
• Bottom-dwelling; rests on a sand bed during inactive periods.
• Primarily nocturnal; most active at night or during dim lighting.
• Uses sensitive barbels near the mouth to locate prey.
• Often “walks” on pectoral fins along the tank bottom.
• Constantly explores substrate for food at night.
• Very hardy; one of the easiest sharks to maintain.
• Adapts exceptionally well to aquarium life.
• Will eat any fish it can swallow whole.
• Cannot be housed with small fish, shrimp, or crabs.
• Very sensitive to copper-based medications; never use copper.
• Skin lacks scales; easily damaged by rough surfaces.
• Requires smooth decorations and rounded tank edges.
• Produces substantial waste; excellent filtration is mandatory.
• Overfeeding causes dangerous ammonia spikes.
• Can jump during acclimation or maintenance; use caution.
• Secure lid recommended, especially during first weeks.
• Oviparous (egg-laying); readily lays eggs in aquariums.
• Egg cases distinctive purse shape; hatch in 100-120 days.
• One of the easier sharks to breed in home aquariums.
• Males have prominent claspers; easy to sex.
• Native to the Indo-Pacific region.
• Long-lived; 20-25+ year commitment.
• Legal in most areas; verify local regulations.
• Requires advanced knowledge but very forgiving species.
• Excellent first shark for experienced large-tank aquarists.

Why Choose a Quarantined Bamboo Cat Shark?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, fully acclimated shark. All specimens are carefully observed, treated appropriately (without copper), and trained to accept varied prepared foods before sale. Proper quarantine eliminates parasites and stress-related issues. This provides the strongest foundation for long-term success with this popular and rewarding species—the ideal introduction to shark keeping.