ExpertPeacefulNot Reef SafeIUCN: Near Threatened
Brownbanded Bamboo Shark
Chiloscyllium punctatum
Family: Hemiscylliidae · Sharks & Rays
Also known as: Brown-Banded Catshark, Grey Carpet Shark, Bamboo Shark
(c) Ian Banks, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Max Size
41"
Min Tank
300 gal
Lifespan
20-25 years
Origin
Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia
Diet
Carnivore
Swims
Bottom
Did You Know?
- Brownbanded Bamboo Sharks can detect the faint electrical fields generated by prey animals hidden under sand using specialized electroreceptors called ampullae of Lorenzini
- Juvenile Brownbanded Bamboo Sharks have dramatically different coloration from adults — their bold dark bands gradually fade over the first two years of life
- This species can survive out of water for up to 12 hours by slowing its metabolism, an adaptation to being stranded in tidal pools on shallow reef flats
About
The Brownbanded Bamboo Shark is one of the most popular shark species in the marine aquarium hobby, admired for its attractive juvenile patterning and relatively manageable adult size compared to most other shark species. Juveniles are particularly stunning, displaying bold dark brown bands on a pale cream background that gradually fade as the shark matures into a more uniform brownish-tan adult coloration. Adults retain subtle spotting and may show faint banding, but the dramatic juvenile pattern is largely lost by the time they reach full size.
This species is a bottom-dwelling, nocturnal shark that spends the majority of the day resting motionless in caves, under ledges, or partially buried in sand. At night, it becomes an active hunter, using its highly sensitive barbels and electroreceptive ampullae of Lorenzini to locate small fish, shrimp, crabs, and other benthic invertebrates hidden in the substrate and reef structure. Despite its predatory nature, the Brownbanded Bamboo Shark is generally docile and can become remarkably tame in captivity, learning to accept food from its keeper's hands or feeding tongs.
Keeping any shark species requires serious commitment, and the Brownbanded Bamboo Shark is no exception. Adults reach up to 41 inches in length and require an aquarium of at least 300 gallons with a wide, spacious footprint — tall, narrow tanks are completely unsuitable. The substrate must be fine sand to protect the shark's sensitive ventral surface. All decorations must be smooth, with no sharp edges that could abrade the skin. Powerful protein skimming and biological filtration are essential to manage the heavy bioload. This species is strictly for expert aquarists with the space, equipment, and long-term commitment to properly house a shark.
Feeding & Diet
Carnivore
The Brownbanded Bamboo Shark is a carnivore that feeds on small fish, shrimp, squid, crabs, and other benthic invertebrates. In captivity, offer a varied diet of frozen silversides, shrimp, squid, clam, scallop, and high-quality shark-formula foods. Feed juveniles every other day and adults two to three times per week. Soak food in vitamin supplements. Avoid overfeeding as this species is prone to obesity in captivity. Never use freshwater feeder fish.
Compatibility
predatorlarge-tanknocturnalbottom-dwellerexpert-onlyhigh-bioload
The Brownbanded Bamboo Shark will eat any fish or invertebrate small enough to capture, particularly at night when it actively hunts. Only house with large, robust tankmates such as large tangs, adult angelfish, groupers, and other species too large to be consumed. Not compatible with any small fish, ornamental shrimp, crabs, or most invertebrates. Best kept in a large predator or species-specific system.
Check CompatibilityBreeding
Difficult
Brownbanded Bamboo Sharks are oviparous, laying distinctive flattened egg cases commonly known as mermaid's purses. Females deposit one or two egg cases at a time, attaching them to tank structures with tendrils. Eggs take approximately 3 to 4 months to hatch at tropical temperatures. The developing embryo is visible through the semi-translucent egg case. Captive breeding has been achieved in both public aquariums and by experienced private hobbyists. Hatchlings are approximately 6 inches long and begin feeding within a few days.
Special Requirements
- Requires a very large aquarium of 300+ gallons with a wide footprint — not a tall tank
- Fine sand substrate only — rough substrates will damage the shark's sensitive ventral skin
- No sharp decorations, rough rock, or abrasive surfaces
- Powerful protein skimmer and biological filtration essential for heavy bioload
- Secure, tight-fitting lid to prevent escape
- Nocturnal — feed in the evening for best results
- Long-term commitment required — lifespan of 20+ years
Water Parameters
Temperature72–82°F
Specific Gravity1.02–1.026 sg
pH8–8.4
Alkalinity8–12 dKH
Coloration
browncreamtandark bands (juvenile)spots
Tags
predatorlarge-tanknocturnalbottom-dwellerexpert-onlyhigh-bioload
