Banded Cat Shark Chiloscyllium Punctatum

Banded Cat Shark Chiloscyllium PunctatumBanded Cat Shark Chiloscyllium Punctatum The Banded Cat Shark, scientifically known as Chiloscyllium punctatum, is a species of bamboo shark found in the Indo West Pacific region from Japan to northern Australia. These sharks have an elongated, slender body with lobed fins and an asymmetrical caudal (tail) fin. The young have distinct dark brown bands on a medium brown body, which fade to a solid brown as they mature. Banded Cat Sharks are nocturnal

Banded Cat Shark Chiloscyllium Punctatum

The Banded Cat Shark, scientifically known as Chiloscyllium punctatum, is a species of bamboo shark found in the Indo-West Pacific region from Japan to northern Australia. These sharks have an elongated, slender body with lobed fins and an asymmetrical caudal (tail) fin. The young have distinct dark brown bands on a medium brown body, which fade to a solid brown as they mature. Banded Cat Sharks are nocturnal predators that use their sensitive barbels to locate crabs, worms, and other small prey on the seafloor. They are considered hardy and can survive out of water for several hours. These sharks are not reef-safe and will nip at and eat crustaceans, coral, and smaller, less aggressive tankmates. They are best kept in a fish-only aquarium with relatively large, aggressive species that can hold their own. Suitable tankmates include eels, groupers, snappers, hawkfish, hogfish, rabbitfish, and lionfish/scorpions. Banded Cat Sharks have a moderate to high level of aggression and are considered difficult to care for, suitable only for experienced aquarists. They require a minimum tank size of 180 gallons and thrive in water with a pH of 8.1-8.4, dKH of 8-12, and a temperature of 72-78°F.