Two Popular Types Of Small Aquarium Sharks
When people set up an aquarium, they soon find out that there are hundreds of tropical fish to choose from. There are community fish such as guarmis and tetras and there are aggressive fish such as Oscars and cichlids. However, one of the most popular aquarium fishes today is a small aquarium shark. Here is some useful information on small aquarium sharks and how to care for and maintain them in your home aquarium.
The Epaulette Shark
The Epaulette shark is usually a white shark with brown spots all over their bodies. They are the most ideal small aquarium sharks because they prefer to live in confined spaces. They do not swim around the tank like most other sharks. They simply swim around the tank floor all day looking for food. They are very slender and may resemble an eel at times. Their slender bodies allow them to slip around rocks and other aquarium decorations.
One thing to remember abut the Epaulette shark is that they will grow larger. An adult will grow to about eleven inches long. So, although they are not the smallest of the small aquarium sharks, they are also not the largest. One needs to make sure they have plenty of room to move around the tank.
The Epaulette shark feeds mostly on small crabs and worms. They may even eat shrimp and other small fishes. They have very small teeth, so larger pieces of food should be avoided. They can bite and chew, but their teeth are not designed to cut the food. So, keep their food pieces small at all times.
The Red Tail Shark
One of the most popular small aquarium sharks is the red tail shark. This is a semi-aggressive fish that adds a unique beauty to any tank. They usually have a solid black body and red tail and are very easy to identify. It is recommended that you only keep one red tail shark per tank because they do not like to live with their own kind.
You must always provide a red tail shark with a nice hiding place. They like to hide to feel secure and safe. They are aggressive fish and they will pick on other fish, so they need some room to get away from things. Therefore, you will need to provide them with an adequate hiding place.
Red tail sharks like to go along the bottom of the tank looking for food. They will usually eat most fish flakes, live food or other foods that drop to the bottom of the tank. They should be fed at least once per day.
The Epaulette shark and the Red Tail shark are two of the most popular small aquarium sharks available. There are hundred of types of sharks, but these are the two most popular ones usually found in pet stores. Having a small aquarium shark is an awesome addition to any aquarium. However, it is recommended that you do some research on them before buying them. They are not like other fish. They usually require their own specialized care and maintenance.
