Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum)

Fish in the family Hemiscyllidae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameChiloscyllium punctatum

FamilyHemiscyllidae

Also known asCatshark, Bamboa Estriada, Spotted Catshark, Gray Carpet Shark, Requin-Chabot Bambou, Brown-Banded Catshark, Brownspotted Catshark, Brownbanded Bamboo Shark, Brown-Banded Bamboo Shark

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietcarnivore

Adult size39 in

Minimum tank size180 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

Chiloscyllium punctatum is a small shark with a slender, cylindrical brown or tan body marked with darker brown saddle patches and fine dark spots or bands running longitudinally. The body is elongated and somewhat flattened dorsoventrally, with small barbels on the nostrils and a rounded snout typical of the Hemiscyllidae family (nurse sharks).

Diet and feeding

Feed meaty foods including frozen-thawed ocean fish, shrimp, squid, and specialized shark pellets. Juveniles may accept smaller prey items; adults require appropriately sized meals. Feed 2–3 times weekly for adults.

Difficulty and care for the Bamboo Shark

Expert

Common health issues

Poor water quality sensitivity, parasitic infections, nutritional deficiency, bacterial skin infections

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region, ranging from Indonesia and the Philippines throughout Southeast Asia to northern Australia and the Great Barrier Reef.

Log Bamboo Shark in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Bamboo Shark alongside everything else in your reef.

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