Re: life after the kids have grown up
Posted: Fri May 19, 2023 9:58 am
Actually, I think the largest creature to have ever lived is believed to be a giant fungus in America - the Armillaria ostoyae, or honey mushroom, in Oregon. Thousands of mushroom heads joined as one being. It was originally thought to be loads of different organisms, but it's actually one massive organism that covers about 2,200 acres under the earth and is estimated to be around 2,400 years old.zenfox8 wrote: ↑Fri May 19, 2023 12:49 am It seems like we're all on different wavelengths when it comes to shark species. I'm specifically looking at bamboo sharks, whereas some of the suggestions above appear to be geared towards nurse or leopard sharks.
For the smallest species, such as the bamboo, epaulette, or coflake catsharks, a 6x3 footprint tank should be more than sufficient for their entire lifespan. These sharks typically reach lengths of around 24 inches, don't require constant swimming due to their non-ram-ventilated nature, and tend to inhabit areas with rockwork, eliminating the need for extensive open spaces.
When choosing a tank, it's essential to think outside the box, much like people do with freshwater stingrays. The front-to-back dimension should be more substantial than what's found in standard aquaria. A 6x3 tank, for instance, will provide more turning room compared to a 6x2x2 or even an 8x2x2. I agree with Bob Fenner's assessment that an 8x2x2 tank can accommodate the smallest species, some of which don't even reach 20 inches in length.
For housing three sharks, I'd recommend a tank with an 8x3 to 8x4 footprint. Additionally, I'd strongly advise investing in the largest skimmer available, a titanium grounding probe, and a wet/dry trickle tower.
If you're genuinely interested in keeping saltwater sharks, I highly recommend Scott Michael's book, Aquarium Sharks and Rays. Although the minimum tank sizes listed might be a bit on the small side, the advice and tips provided are invaluable, covering everything from sharks suitable for home aquariums to those typically found in public aquaria. You'll even find guidance on creating your own gruel to force-feed a baby elasmobranch that's hesitant to feed.