I am new at the SW hobby, but the whole reason I got in it was the possibility of keeping a pet shark. I know sharks demand perfect water quality and that I will need a rather large tank but other than that I am lost. I know a good deal about sharks in the wild, but in my home is another matter. The only info I can find all says that sharks and rays should be avoided. Is this true and if not what do I need to keep one? Any info is welcome!:help:
Yes it's possible to keep a Pet Shark. It's just depends on what kind of shark your looking for. For Example - requiems such as Blacktip Reefs, Lemons, Bonnetheads, & Sharpnose really aren't for most people since these sharks requiem very large shark tanks or lagoons(at least 10,000 for the smallest species). As such - these shark only belong in the hands of people with lots of experience with sharks, as well as the room, and finances to build gigantic shark lagoons.
But sharks such as the Bamboos, Epaulettes, Catsharks, & Horn Sharks are very practical for aquarists who want a real shark, and have a tank or pond in the 500-1,000 gallon range. These species tend to be hardier, and much easier to keep for aquarists. It's even possible to breed these species in large tanks or shark ponds of about 1,000 gallons.
BTW - Kelly Jedlicki, also has written several articles for FAMA magazine on keeping sharks in home aquaria - Her most recent in Nov. 2007. She presently has a 1,000 gallon shark pond in which she keeps a breeding pair of Epaulettes, as well as White-spotted Bamboos, and Coral catsharks.
