Horn Shark

The Horn Shark is a stout, slow-moving bullhead shark native to the kelp forests and rocky reefs of the Eastern Pacific, from central California to the Gulf of California. It gets its common name from the prominent spine located at the front of each dorsal fin, which serves as a defensive weapon against predators. Its body is tan to grayish-brown with scattered dark spots, and its head features a blunt, pig-like snout and prominent ridges above the eyes that give it a characteristically grumpy expression.

Reaching about 48 inches in length, the Horn Shark is a nocturnal, bottom-dwelling species that spends its days wedged into rocky crevices and caves, emerging at night to hunt for sea urchins, crabs, snails, and other hard-shelled invertebrates. Its heterodont dentition, meaning it has different types of teeth in different parts of its jaw, is perfectly adapted for this diet: small, pointed front teeth for grasping prey and flat, molar-like rear teeth for crushing shells. Its teeth are strong enough to crack open the spines and shells of sea urchins with ease.

The Horn Shark is a temperate species, which is an important consideration for aquarium keeping. It prefers water temperatures between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly cooler than typical tropical marine aquariums. A chiller is almost always required to maintain these temperatures. A minimum tank of 300 gallons with a wide footprint, fine sand substrate, and ample rockwork caves is necessary. While docile and generally easy to care for, the Horn Shark's specialized temperature requirements and eventual large size make it a commitment best suited to experienced aquarists with dedicated shark systems.