Cat Shark Popular Guide 101: Appearance, Size |Updated| 2024

The Cat Shark is a family of sharks, including the Nurse Sharks, Bullhead Sharks, and Swell Sharks. They are found in tropical and temperate waters around the world. The Cat Shark is relatively small, growing to a maximum length of about 60 inches.

They are characterized by their long, slender bodies and wide mouths. This bottom-dwelling shark spends most of its time near the ocean floor. In this article, you will get to know everything about Cat sharks.

Species Summary

Scientific Name	Scyliorhinus canicula
Common Names	Cat Shark, Nurse Shark, Bullhead Shark, Swell Shark
Care Level	Experienced
Temperament	Aggressive
Colour	Various
Lifespan	Up to 25 years
Size	Up to 60 inches
Diet	Carnivore
Family	Scyliorhinidae
Minimum Tank Size	350 gallons
Tank set-up	Marine; mildly planted/decorated
Compatibility	Limited
pH level	8.2–8.4.
Specific Gravity	1.020-1.025
dKH level	8-12
Lighting Requirements	Between 300–400W
Temperature Range	75.2–78.8°F

The Cat Shark is a family of sharks, including the Nurse Sharks, Bullhead Sharks, and Swell Sharks. They are found in tropical and temperate waters around the world. They are relatively small, growing to a maximum length of about 60 inches.

They are characterized by their long, slender bodies and wide mouths. The Cat Shark is a bottom-dwelling shark and spends most of its time near the ocean floor.

Cat Shark Appearance

The Cat Shark is small to medium-sized shark with a long, slender body and wide mouth. They are found in various colors, including brown, grey, black, and white. It has large eyes and a short snout. Their fins are long and sickle-shaped.

The Cat Shark gets its name because it resembles a cat, with its long body and wide mouth. They are typically grey or brown in color, with spots or stripes on their body. The Cat Shark's fins are large and triangular in shape.

Also, check Otocinclus Catfish Care Guide: Appearance, Lifespan, Food & Diet, Breeding & All

Cat Shark Size And Growth Rate

The Cat Shark grows to a maximum length of about 60 inches. They have a slow growth rate and can live up to 25 years. They achieve sexual maturity at the age of 3 to 4 years.

Cat Shark Lifespan

Live in Captivity: The Cat Shark can live up to 25 years in captivity. They are a hardy shark species and can withstand various water conditions. However, they are sensitive to changes in water quality and should be kept in a well-maintained aquarium.

Live in the wild: The Cat Shark can live up to 25 years.

Cat Shark Care Level

The Cat Shark is a relatively easy-to-care-for shark. They are hardy and can survive in a wide range of water conditions. However, they are sensitive to changes in water quality and should be kept in a well-maintained aquarium.

Cat Shark Shedding And Body Patterning

The Cat Shark will shed its skin every few weeks. This process is known as molting. The Cat Shark will lose its old skin and grow a new one during molting.

This process helps to remove parasites and renew the Cat Shark's body. The Cat Shark's new skin is typically lighter in color than the old one.

Cat Shark Origin And Distribution

The Cat Shark is found in tropical and temperate waters around the world. They are most commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region. The Cat Shark is a bottom-dwelling shark and spends most of its time near the ocean floor.

Cat Shark Breeding And Reproduction

The Cat Shark is a live-bearing shark. The female will give birth to up to 20 young at a time. The gestation period is between 6 and 8 months. The young are born fully developed and measure between 8 and 12 inches long.

The Cat Shark is oviparous, meaning that it lays eggs. The female will lay a clutch of eggs, which the male fertilizes. The eggs are then left to hatch on their own. Once the eggs hatch, the baby sharks, known as pups, are on their own and must fend for themselves.

Cat Shark Breeding Compatibility

The Cat Shark is compatible with other sharks in the same genus. They are also compatible with other bottom-dwelling fish.

It is not difficult to breed in captivity. They are a live-bearing species, so that the female will give birth to the young. However, the baby sharks are on their own once they are born and must fend for themselves.

To promote breeding, the male and female should be of similar size. The tank should also be large enough to accommodate the growing family. The water quality should be well-maintained to ensure the health of the sharks.

Providing hiding places for the female, such as caves or rocks, is also recommended. This will help her feel safe and secure while carrying her young.

You may also check Pictus Catfish Care: Lifespan, Breeding, Food & Diet

Cat Shark Gestation Period And Pregnancy Symptoms

The gestation period is between 6 and 8 months. The female will give birth to up to 20 young at a time. The young are born fully developed and measure between 8 and 12 inches long.

During pregnancy, the female will not eat. She will also become more aggressive as she protects her unborn young. When the young are born, they are on their own and must fend for themselves. The female will not care for her young.

Baby Sharks

The baby sharks are born fully developed and measure between 8 and 12 inches long.

The baby sharks will eat the same diet as the adults. They should be fed a diet of meaty foods, such as fish, squid, and shrimp.

They are not a good pet for most people. They are large and potentially dangerous sharks. They are also known to be very shy and reclusive. If you consider a Cat Shark a pet, you should be an experienced aquarium keeper with a large tank.

Reason to be unique

The Cat Shark differs from other sharks in their family in a few ways. First, they are live-bearing, meaning the female will give birth to the young. Second, they are oviparous, meaning that they lay eggs. Third, a bottom-dwelling shark spends most of its time near the ocean floor.

Where to buy them?

The Cat Shark is available from most pet stores selling fish. They are also available online from a variety of retailers.

The Cat Shark typically costs between $50 and $100. The price will vary depending on the size and age of the shark.

Check Twig Catfish (Farlowella acus) 101: Best Detailed Care Guide

Cat Shark Behavior & Social Temperament

The Cat Shark is a bottom-dwelling shark and spends most of its time near the ocean floor. They are a relatively peaceful shark species and do not typically attack humans. They are nocturnal, meaning it is most active at night.

This is a shy and reclusive species of shark. They are not typically aggressive towards humans but can be aggressive toward other sharks. They should not be kept with other shark species.

Cat Shark Care Guide

Let us share all the information regarding tank mates, size, etc.

Cat Shark Tank mates

The Cat Shark is compatible with other sharks in the same genus. They are also compatible with other bottom-dwelling fish.

The suitable fishes are:

• Goby
• Eels
• Catfish
• Pufferfish
• Longhorn cowfish
• Dwarf angels
• Tangs
• Rabbitfish
• Butterflyfish
• Cardinalfish

Check Tiger Shovelnose Catfish 101: Best Detailed Guide

Cat Shark Tank Size

The Cat Shark requires a minimum tank size of 350 gallons. The tank should be large enough to accommodate the growing family. The Cat Shark should be the only shark in the tank.

Cat Shark Tank Region

The Cat Shark is a bottom-dwelling shark and spends most of its time near the ocean floor.

Cat Shark Tank Decorations

The tank should be decorated with rocks and caves to provide hiding places for the sharks. The water should be clear, and the substrate should be sand.

Heater Requirements

The temperature in the tank should be kept between 75.2–78.8°F. A low or medium-powered heater is recommended.

The suggested heaters are:

• Fluval E Series Heater
• Aqueon Submersible Aquarium Heater
• Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater
• Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater
• Zoo Med AquaTherm Mini Submersible Glass Aquarium Heater

Lighting Requirements

The lighting shouldn’t be very intense. A low or medium-powered lamp, between 300–400W, is recommended.

Filter Requirements

The Cat Shark requires a filter that can provide a flow rate of at least 10 times the tank size.

The recommended filters are:

• Fluval FX6 Canister Filter
• SunSun HW-302 Canister Filter
• Eheim Classic 600 Canister Filter
• Aqueon QuietFlow 75/100 GPH Aquarium Power Filter
• Tetra Whisper EX 70 Internal Filter

Also, check 9 Best Types of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish

Water Requirements

The water should be saltwater, and the specific gravity should be between 1.020-1.025. The pH should be kept in a narrow range: 8.2–8.4 and the dKH between 8-12. Water changes should be done every two weeks.

Important things to note

Here, we will share all the important things about caring for our fish.

• Gravel Vacuuming: Gravel vacuuming should be done every other week.
• Algae Control: Algae control is not necessary with the Cat Shark.
• Maintenance: The Cat Shark requires regular maintenance. The tank should be cleaned every two weeks, and the filter should be replaced every six months.
• Substrate And Aquascaping: The Cat Shark is a bottom-dwelling shark and spends most of its time near the ocean floor. They should have a sandy substrate with rocks and coral to hide in. The tank should be well-lit and have plenty of hiding places for the shark to feel safe.
• Cleaning The Tank: The tank should be cleaned every two weeks. The filter should be replaced every six months.

Levels

Ammonia levels should be tested weekly and kept at 0 ppm.

Nitrite levels should be tested weekly and kept at 0 ppm.

Nitrate levels should be tested weekly and kept at 0-20 ppm.

Phosphate levels should be tested weekly and kept at 0-1 ppm.

Silicate levels should be tested weekly and kept at 0 ppm.

Sulfate levels should be tested weekly and kept at 0 ppm.

Magnesium levels should be tested weekly and kept at 1250-1500 ppm.

Calcium levels should be tested weekly and kept at 400-450 ppm.

Oxygen Level: The oxygen level is important because it helps keep the water clean and toxins-free. The suggested oxygen level is 6-8 ppm. If the oxygen level is too low, it can lead to ammonia and nitrite poisoning. If the oxygen level is too high, it can lead to stress and inflammation of the gills.

Maintenance Schedule

The Cat Shark requires regular maintenance. The tank should be cleaned every two weeks, and the filter should be replaced every six months. Gravel vacuuming should be done every other week. Water changes should be done every two weeks.

Check Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp 101: Care Guide & Breeding Guide

Cat Shark Food & Diet

The Cat Shark is a carnivore and feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They should be offered a variety of meaty foods, such as squid, shrimp, and fish. Their diet can also be supplemented with vitamin and mineral supplements. They should be fed two to three times a day.

Diet Foods To Avoid: There are no diet foods to avoid.

Cat Shark Aquarium Plants

The Cat Shark does not require live plants in their tank. However, they may uproot or damage live plants.

Some suitable plants are:

• Java Fern
• Anubias Nana
• Bolbitis Heudelotii
• Cryptocoryne Wendtii
• Microsorum Pteropus

Potential Fish Diseases

The Cat Shark is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including:

• Ich: Ich is a parasite that attacks the fish's skin and can be fatal. Symptoms include - white spots on the skin, scratching, and rubbing against objects in the tank.
• Cryptocaryon: Cryptocaryon is a parasitic infection that can be fatal. Symptoms include - listlessness, loss of appetite, white spots on the skin, and rubbing against objects in the tank.
• Oodinium: Oodinium is a parasitic infection that can be fatal. Symptoms include - cloudy eyes, listlessness, loss of appetite, white spots on the skin, and rubbing against objects in the tank.
• Velvet Disease: Velvet disease is a parasitic infection that can be fatal. Symptoms include - cloudy eyes, listlessness, loss of appetite, yellow or orange spots on the skin, and rubbing against objects in the tank.
• Hole-in-the-Head Disease: Hole-in-the-head disease is a bacterial infection that can be fatal. Symptoms include - loss of appetite, listlessness, wasting away, and holes in the head.
• Fin Rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that can be fatal. Symptoms include - fraying or rotting of the fins, listlessness, and loss of appetite.
• Popeye Disease: Popeye disease is a bacterial infection that can be fatal. Symptoms include - bulging eyes, listlessness, and loss of appetite.
• Gill Flukes: Gill flukes are parasitic infections that can be fatal. Symptoms include - gill damage, listlessness, and loss of appetite.
• Red Line Disease: Red line disease is a viral infection that can be fatal. Symptoms include - red lines on the body, listlessness, and loss of appetite.
• Dropsy: Drop is a bacterial infection that can be fatal. Symptoms include - swelling of the abdomen, listlessness, and loss of appetite.

Also, check Red Devil Cichlid 101: Best Detailed Care Guide

Treatment And Medications For Diseases

There is no cure for most of the diseases that affect the Cat Shark. However, some medications may help ease the symptoms and prolong the fish's life.

Medications that may be used include:

• Copper Sulfate: Copper sulfate is a medication that can treat Ich, Cryptocaryon, and Oodinium.
• Methylene Blue: Methylene blue is a medication that can treat Velvet Disease and Hole-in-the-Head disease.
• Metronidazole: Metronidazole is a medication that can treat Fin Rot, Gill Flukes, and Red Line Disease.
• Kanamycin: Kanamycin is a medication that can be used to treat Dropsy.
• Neomycin: Neomycin is a medication that can treat eye infections.
• Furanace: Furanace is a medication that can treat bacterial infections.
• Tetracycline: Tetracycline is a medication that can treat bacterial infections.
• Trimethoprim-Sulfa:Trimethoprim-sulfa is a medication that can treat bacterial infections.
• Nitrofurazone: Nitrofurazone is a medication that can treat fungal infections.
• Anti-Fungal Medications: Anti-fungal medications can treat fungal infections.

Preventative Measures

Several measures can be taken to prevent the Cat Shark from getting sick.

These measures include:

• Quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank.
• Don’t overfeed the fish.
• Keep the tank clean and well-maintained.
• Don’t overcrowd the tank.
• Make sure the tank has plenty of hiding places.
• Use a filter and heater that is appropriate for the size of the tank.
• Keep the pH in the tank within the recommended range.

Check Butterfly Betta Care Guide: Appearance, food & Diet, Breeding & All

Advantages Of Having Cat Shark In Your Tank

• Peaceful: They are peaceful fish that can get along with other fish if they are not too small.
• Easy to Care For: They are easy to care for and do not require much attention.
• Active: They are an active fish that will swim around the tank.
• Fun to Watch: They are fun fish to watch and can provide hours of entertainment.
• Easy to Breed: They are an easy fish to breed and can be bred in captivity.
• Long-lived: They are a long-lived fish that can live up to 25 years.
• Good beginner fish: They are a good beginner fish and is an excellent choice for those new to the hobby.
• They can be kept in a community tank: They can be kept in a community tank with other peaceful fish.
• Can help to control algae: They can help to control algae growth in the aquarium.

Disadvantages Of Having Cat Shark In Your Tank

• May eat smaller fish: They may eat smaller fish, so it is important to choose tank mates carefully.
• May damage plants: They may damage plants in the aquarium.
• May be aggressive towards other fish - They may be aggressive towards other fish, especially if they are smaller.
• Requires a large tank: They requires a large tank, at least 350 gallons.
• Requires a sandy substrate: They requires a sandy substrate in the aquarium.
• Can be difficult to find: They can be difficult to find and may not be available at your local fish store.
• Can be expensive: The Cat Shark can be expensive and may cost more than $100.
• May not do well in a community tank: The Cat Shark may not do well in a community tank and may be better suited for a single species aquarium.
• Requires special care:The Cat Shark requires special care and attention.
• May be difficult to breed: The Cat Shark may be difficult to breed in captivity.

Also, check Plakat Betta Best Care Guide, Facts & Species Summary

Conclusion

The Cat Shark is a peaceful fish that is easy to care for and can make a great addition to any aquarium. They are active fish that are fun to watch and can help to control algae growth. However, they may be difficult to breed in captivity and do poorly in a community tank.