Sharks and Rays

Sharks and Rays are fish whose bodies are composed entirely of cartilage, unlike the calcium-containing bones of almost all other fish. The families of interest to the aquarium hobbyist include: Heterodontidae (Horn Sharks), Scyliorhinidae (Cat Sharks), Squatinidae (Angel Sharks), Triakidae (Leopard Sharks), Orectolobidae (Nurse Sharks), and Dasyatidae (Stingrays). There are over 300 species of Sharks and Rays, most of which are too large for the home aquarium. Some species of Cat Sharks, Horn Sharks, and Stingrays make unique aquarium inhabitants.

Sharks and Rays are found throughout the world in tropical and temperate waters. Most of these fish that are available for the home aquarium are found on or around coral reefs, rocky reefs, or lagoons. The diet of Sharks and Rays consists of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. In an aquarium, vitamin-enriched frozen squid, live ghost shrimp, and other meaty foods should be offered. After the Sharks and Rays have had time to establish themselves in the aquarium, it is advisable to control the amount of food offered in order to slow the growth rate of the fish. Most Sharks will outgrow even very large aquariums. Stingrays often bury themselves partially in the substrate, and many sharks are bottom dwellers, so it is important to keep these fish on fine sand or very fine gravel. A large aquarium from 180 to over 3,000 gallons (depending upon species), proper substrate, and optimum water conditions are important factors when maintaining Sharks and Rays in an aquarium.

Sharks and Rays can cause severe injury to the handler. Stingrays are equipped with a sharp spine on the end of their tail. This spine is used defensively and is venomous. The skin of Sharks is comprised of small, tooth-like scales that feel like sandpaper.

It is important to note that Sharks and Rays should never be exposed to copper-based medications. When absorbed by fish cartilage, they adversely affect the health of the fish.

Use caution when keeping an aquarium with Large Angelfish and bottom dwelling Sharks and Rays. Large Angels have been known to pick the eyes out of these bottom dwellers. Male Sharks and Rays can be identified by the two claspers on the inside edge of the pelvic (bottom) fins. Due to their large size, the breeding of Sharks and Rays in an aquarium is extremely difficult.

Caution is required with: Large Angelfish, Groupers, Lionfish & Scorpionfish, Parrotfish and Squirrelfish.

They are not compatible with: Dwarf Angelfish, Anglers & Frogfish, Anthias, Basslets, Batfish, Blennies, Boxfish, Butterflyfish, Cardinalfish, Clownfish, Damselfish, Eels, Filefish, Goatfish, Gobies, Grunts & Sweetlips, Hawkfish, Hogfish, Pseudochromis, Puffers, Seahorses & Pipefish, Sharks & Rays, Tangs & Surgeons, Triggerfish and Wrasse.