Brown Banded Cat Shark

Brown Banded Cat Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) 

The Black Banded Cat Shark, also known as the Brownbanded Bamboo Shark, earns its name from the cat-like barbels near its mouth that resemble whiskers. Its body is cream-colored with broad, dark black stripes, and as it matures, large, muted brown spots may appear between these stripes. This bottom-dwelling shark is a popular choice for home aquariums but requires careful consideration due to its size and specific needs. It grows relatively slowly but requires an aquarium of at least 360 gallons to accommodate its adult size. The tank should have a sand substrate to prevent injuries to its sensitive abdomen, as coarser substrates can cause scratches and infections. Additionally, the Black Banded Cat Shark should never be exposed to copper-based medications. Feeding can be challenging at first. Initially, it may be necessary to use small pieces of cleaned squid or live saltwater feeder shrimp to encourage feeding.