{"title":"Sharks","description":"\u003cp\u003eSharks and rays for the serious keeper — spectacular animals that need very large systems, sand beds and expert planning. Contact us to discuss your setup before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"epaulette-shark-i","title":"Epaulette Shark I | Hemiscyllium ocellatum","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Epaulette Shark is a hardy, walking shark famous for the large black \"epaulette\" spot behind each pectoral fin. Reaching around 90 cm as an adult, it is a genuine showpiece that demands a very large, well-filtered system with plenty of open sand. Docile toward people but a determined nocturnal hunter, it is best suited to the experienced marine keeper.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Epaulette Shark comes from the shallow reef flats, tide pools and lagoons of northern Australia and New Guinea. It is remarkably adapted to low-oxygen conditions, using its muscular pectoral fins to \"walk\" across exposed reef and even tolerate brief periods stranded between pools. In the aquarium it wants a large footprint with a soft open sand bed for resting, plus caves and overhangs for daytime shelter. Floor space matters far more than height, as this is a benthic fish that spends its time cruising the bottom rather than swimming in open water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe body is slender and elongated with a pale tan to cream base colour covered in scattered dark spots, and a bold black ocellus ringed in white sitting above each pectoral fin. These false \"eye\" spots give the species both its name and its display appeal. Adults reach roughly 90 cm and occasionally more, so the modest size of juveniles can be misleading at purchase. Healthy specimens are alert at night, feed willingly and move with smooth, deliberate motions across the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eToward its keeper and larger tank mates the Epaulette Shark is calm and undemanding, but it is still a predator. Anything small enough to swallow, including fish, shrimp, crabs and other mobile invertebrates, is at risk. It is best kept with robust, non-aggressive fish that are too large to be seen as food. Avoid housing it with aggressive triggers or large predators that may harass or bully it, and provide secure shelter so it can rest undisturbed during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a carnivore that feeds on meaty marine foods. Offer a varied diet of prawn, squid, mussel, clam, fish flesh and other chunky seafoods, fed a few times per week rather than daily. Juveniles can be fed a little more often. Use feeding tongs or target feeding to make sure the shark gets its share, especially in a mixed system, and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of around 1300 L, with 2000 L or larger strongly recommended for an adult, prioritising floor area and a soft sand bed to protect the belly. Maintain temperature at 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. Sharks are sensitive to dissolved metals and elevated nitrate, so powerful filtration, strong protein skimming and regular water changes are essential, and copper-based medications must be avoided. A secure lid or cover is important, and any pumps and overflows should be shark-proofed. This is an advanced species that rewards space, patience and pristine water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Epaulette Shark is an egg-laying species and has been bred in public aquariums and occasionally by advanced hobbyists. Females deposit tough egg cases from which fully formed pups hatch after several months. While more achievable than with many marine fish, breeding still requires a very large, stable system and dedicated grow-out space, so for most keepers the focus should remain on long-term health and correct husbandry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHemiscyllium ocellatum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEpaulette Shark (Walking Shark)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNorthern Australia and New Guinea; shallow reef flats and lagoons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90–107 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20–25 years with excellent care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDocile toward people but predatory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1300 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2000 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore; meaty marine seafoods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery large fish-only or FOWLR systems\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot reef safe (eats fish and mobile invertebrates; coral is generally left alone)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include large, peaceful to semi-robust fish that cannot be swallowed, such as larger tangs, large angelfish, rabbitfish and other sizeable community marine fish in a big system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with small fish, ornamental shrimp, crabs and other small invertebrates that will be eaten, as well as aggressive triggers, large predators or anything likely to harass a resting bottom-dweller.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234134868259,"sku":"AA2388-S","price":345.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234134901027,"sku":"AA2388","price":395.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234134933795,"sku":"AA2388-L","price":455.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-100cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55351936581923,"sku":"AA2388-XL","price":525.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562734174499,"sku":"AA2388-S-CB","price":345.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562734207267,"sku":"AA2388-M-CB","price":395.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562734240035,"sku":"AA2388-L-CB","price":455.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-100cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562734272803,"sku":"AA2388-XL-CB","price":525.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/epaulette-shark-i-43090654593315.webp?v=1790305845"},{"product_id":"bamboo-shark","title":"Bamboo Shark | Chiloscyllium punctatum","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Bamboo Shark (Brownbanded Bamboo Shark) is a hardy, bottom-dwelling shark and a genuine showpiece for the experienced keeper with a very large system. Banded as a juvenile and plain brown as an adult, it is calm and slow-moving but reaches around a metre, so it needs serious space, filtration and planning before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, the Bamboo Shark is associated with shallow coastal reefs, tidal pools and sandy or rubble flats of the Indo-West Pacific. It is nocturnal, resting under ledges by day and foraging over the substrate at night for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. Replicating this environment means providing a very large footprint of open sand, smooth stable rockwork with shaded caves, and no sharp decor that could damage the skin. A wide, long tank matters far more than a tall one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eJuveniles carry bold dark bands that fade to a plain brown in adults. The body is slender and flexible with the classic bottom-shark shape, and the fish reaches around 100 cm, so it should never be bought for its current small size. Healthy specimens are alert at night, feed willingly, and show clear eyes, intact fins and undamaged skin. Skin abrasions from rough decor or an undersized tank are a common and serious problem, so smooth surfaces are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is best described as predatory but generally calm. It will not chase active fish, but it will eat anything small enough to swallow, including crustaceans and small fish. Suitable companions are robust, non-aggressive fish too large to be eaten, such as larger tangs, rabbitfish and large wrasse. Avoid aggressive feeders such as triggers and puffers that may harass the shark or outcompete it, and never house it with small fish or ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed as a carnivore, offering fresh and frozen meaty marine foods such as prawn, fish flesh, squid, scallop and mussel, fed to appetite two to three times weekly. Feeding tongs help present food and keep hands clear. A varied diet supports long-term health, and iodine supplementation is often recommended for captive bamboo sharks to help prevent goitre. Do not use freshwater feeder fish, which are poor long-term nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a large-system animal. Provide a minimum aquarium size of 680 L for a juvenile only as a starting point, with a very large custom aquarium or shark system of 2000 L or more, and a wide open footprint, required for an adult. Maintain temperature at 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. Use powerful biological filtration, strong protein skimming and generous water changes, as sharks are messy, heavy-waste feeders. Provide a smooth sand bed, stable rockwork that cannot collapse, and shaded resting areas. A secure lid is important. This species is not reef safe and is unsuitable for coral or invertebrate displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Bamboo Shark is an egg-laying species, and captive egg cases are sometimes produced and hatched by dedicated keepers with the right system. Even so, breeding is a specialist undertaking requiring large, stable aquariums and careful husbandry. For most keepers the practical focus should be correct feeding, excellent water quality, secure housing and long-term health rather than breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChiloscyllium punctatum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBamboo Shark (Brownbanded Bamboo Shark)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-West Pacific coastal reefs, tidal pools and sandy flats\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20–25 years with excellent care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePredatory but generally calm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e680 L (juvenile only)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2000 L or larger with a wide footprint for an adult\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore; meaty marine foods, with iodine supplementation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery large fish-only and predator systems\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot reef safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include large tangs, rabbitfish, large wrasse and other robust, non-aggressive fish too large to be eaten, in a very large system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with small fish, ornamental shrimp and crabs, aggressive feeders such as triggers and puffers, and any fish small enough to be swallowed. Avoid sharp or unstable decor that can injure the shark.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234136998179,"sku":"BA8307-S","price":195.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234137030947,"sku":"BA8307","price":225.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234137063715,"sku":"BA8307-L","price":260.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-100cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55351937597731,"sku":"BA8307-XL","price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562728636707,"sku":"BA8307-S-IMP","price":195.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562728669475,"sku":"BA8307-M-IMP","price":225.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562728702243,"sku":"BA8307-L-IMP","price":260.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-100cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562728735011,"sku":"BA8307-XL-IMP","price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/bamboo-shark-43090654527779.webp?v=1790305842"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/collections\/Coronation_Coral_Trout_Large_Variola_louti_6b4cbe32-fdce-40b8-a0d5-8d77400144e8.jpg?v=1788252840","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/collections\/sharks-rays.oembed","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}