Q&A for How to Keep a Bamboo Shark

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  • Question
    How big does a bamboo shark get?
    Community Answer
    The bamboo shark can grow up to 37 inches (93 centimeters) long.
  • Question
    What can I do if my bamboo shark has stopped eating and just hides?
    Community Answer
    He/she must be afraid of you or something in the tank. Ma be it could even be a sound that the shark doesn't like. Try to spend more time around the shark so that it becomes familiar with you, and check that the environment around the tank isn't noisy, too bright or too busy.
  • Question
    Can a horseshoe crab and stingray be kept with a shark? I'm not a big fan of fish but I want all three of those creatures. It would save space if they could all co-exist in a tank together.
    Caeiia
    Top Answerer
    No, as those all need immense amounts of space (more than a person could afford). Also, horseshoe crabs are hard to feed because other fish may steal their food. Since they bottom feed like stingrays, it's not a good idea. Horseshoe crabs are also generally hard to keep, even for professionals.
  • Question
    What kinds of fish can you put in with a bamboo shark?
    Community Answer
    Bamboo sharks live in a reef environment. They generally stick to a crustacean-based diet. So some reef fish may work with the shark but you will have to be careful as this is still a predator and has the ability to eat other smaller fish in the tank. First acclimate your shark and get it on a regular feeding schedule before introducing any new fish. For suggestions of fish, add a type of fish that will not bother the shark and will not be bothered by the shark, such as a Harlequin Tusk fish, Imperative Angelfish, Blue Girdled Angelfish, and other fish like the ones listed.
  • Question
    What size tank is ideal for a bamboo shark?
    Community Answer
    180 gallons or more is ideal. Since they need room to move and hide, they need a reef environment. So 180 gallons or more is required for the most movement and environment. They also need small shrimp and other ocean life for nutrition.
  • Question
    Can we put a black tip in the tank?
    Community Answer
    Yes. They will co-exist just fine, a black tip reef shark will need a massive aquarium. They can grow to five feet or larger and must keep moving to breathe.
  • Question
    Are bamboo sharks nocturnal?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    Can you put a stingray in with a bamboo shark?
    Community Answer
    You may, but only certain species of stingray will do OK with a shark. Make sure the stingray is a decent size.
  • Question
    Where can I buy a bamboo shark?
    Community Answer
    You can get them at saltwater specialty stores or online from places like aquariumcreationsonline.net.
  • Question
    Is there a problem raising a bamboo shark from an egg?
    Community Answer
    No there's not a problem. You have to wait though for about 8 to 9 months for it to hatch.
  • Question
    How long can they live without a filter?
    Community Answer
    Probably a day. They produce a lot of waste, meaning they need a very good filtration system. They'll die from toxins extremely quickly.
  • Question
    How long do bamboo sharks normally live?
    Community Answer
    Depending on how well they're cared for, they can live for over a decade!
  • Question
    Why is my bamboo shark not moving?
    Community Answer
    They are nocturnal, so he will likely move around when you turn the lights off for a while.
  • Question
    Do bamboo sharks bite?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they do, they have very powerful jaws to break through shells, so it can be very painful if they bite you by accident when you hand-feed them.
  • Question
    Why should I use aquarium salt when keeping a bamboo shark?
    Community Answer
    They normally live in the sea and aquarium salt mimics the same conditions for the shark to live comfortably in the tank.
  • Question
    What kinds of water can bamboo sharks live in?
    Community Answer
    Bamboo sharks can live only in saltwater, with a high specific gravity at about 1025, like that found in most oceans.
  • Question
    Is there any other types of food that they eat beside meat?
    Vivaan Samaraweera
    Community Answer
    No, bamboo sharks are carnivorous animals. Feeding them anything else would be harmful to the animal.
  • Question
    Can a bamboo shark live with a eel?
    Community Answer
    Yes they can, although they will both compete for the same food. They are, however, not aggressive to each other.
  • Question
    Where can I get cheap aquariums for this shark, and how big should the aquariums be for an adult?
    Community Answer
    180 gallons would be the minimum for an adult. There is no actual “cheap” in the saltwater hobby, but if you want more affordable large tanks you can buy them secondhand on eBay, Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, and similar websites.
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