| Sand sharks are viewed as the most timid and | | | | notice sand sharks tend to be constantly moving, |
| least aggressive of the shark species. Sand | | | | while some of the other fish just hang out in the |
| sharks are usually smaller in size than other | | | | tank. |
| sharks and move fairly slowly. These sharks are | | | | A good alternative for a sand shark in a home |
| found all over the Atlantic Ocean, and are the | | | | aquarium is the catfish shark. Although labeled as |
| most common type of shark. Although these | | | | a shark because of their dorsal fins, these |
| sharks would seem to be the perfect aquarium | | | | creatures are much smaller. They usually grow to |
| kept fish, because of their smaller size, they are | | | | be about a foot long. They will still need a larger |
| not. They still grow to reach an average length of | | | | tank with plenty of space, because they too will |
| about five feet, and can weigh as much as three | | | | have a cruising nature. These fish, like true sharks |
| hundred pounds. This is really too large to keep in | | | | will eat just about anything that will fit in their |
| a home aquarium. The population of these sharks | | | | mouths. Therefore be careful not to house it with |
| has dwindled in recent years, due to fishing | | | | smaller fish. The catfish shark should be kept in a |
| activities. Therefore they are being considered for | | | | tank with brackish water. Brackish water is more |
| the endangered species list. It would be | | | | difficult to maintain because it is a mixture of both |
| irresponsible to attempt to house one of these | | | | salt and freshwater. In the wild these fish live in |
| creatures, unless fully educated on their care | | | | areas where ocean waters meet streams or |
| needs. | | | | rivers. The Albemarle Sound is an example of |
| Sand sharks adapt the best of all sharks to a | | | | brackish water. |
| captive environment. The types of aquariums that | | | | The same general type of equipment is required |
| house these very large fish are usually public | | | | for brackish water and saltwater aquariums as |
| state supported aquariums. These facilities have | | | | fresh water. It is a good idea to upgrade filters |
| the resources to build large enough tanks to | | | | and heaters, however, because saltwater and |
| house the sharks. Sand sharks can be kept in a | | | | brackish water fish are more sensitive to water |
| tank with other large fish. The sharks are usually | | | | irregularities. Sharks are accustomed to a darker |
| fed three to four times a week to discourage | | | | environment, so it is not necessary to have a lot |
| them from eating tank mates. For the most part | | | | of lighting. Sand sharks have the same basic care |
| this works well, although, every so often some of | | | | requirements as most other fish. They need, and |
| the fish seem to disappear. When housing sharks, | | | | adequate food source, regulated water and an |
| care should be taken to ensure there is adequate | | | | environment that would be similar to their natural |
| space for swimming. Sharks by nature cruise the | | | | habitat. |
| open waters. When visiting a public aquarium, | | | | |