Range: Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Ocean

Size: Up to 14 ft (4.3 m)

Natural Environment: Inhabit lagoon patch reefs, mangrove areas, and intertidal zones

General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 72 - 82°F (22 - 28°C) and has a natural diet of benthic invertebrate and small fishes. They require a large, well-filtered and well-oxygenated system with a fine grain sandbed, and few environment obstructions. Can not be treated with heavy metal solutions such as copper. Fresh seafood, such as shrimp, fish flesh, crab, scallops and freshwater mollies are welcomed. Do not house with large triggerfishes, angelfishes, wrasses, and pufferfishes, as they can pick on the shark and cause skin and eye damage. Requires a meaty diet with the food dropped to the bottom of the aquarium, and fed twice a week. One of the more commonly traded shark species, however, its yearly growth rate of seven inches (19 cm) makes it difficult to maintain in home aquariums for any appreciable length of time. Spends a good portion of its time resting on the bottom.

Aquarium Suitability: * * * * *