White Spotted Bamboo Shark

White Spotted Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum): Small, bottom‑dwelling carpet shark with a tan‑brown body and distinct white spotting Reaches an adult size of about 32–37 inches Hardy, slow‑moving, and well‑suited for large marine predator systems Popular for aquarists seeking a manageable, aquarium‑friendly shark species Origin & Habitat Native to the Indo‑Pacific: India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines Found in shallow coastal waters, sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, and coral reef flats Often rests on the substrate during the day and becomes more active at night Temperament & Reef Safety Peaceful toward most fish but will consume small fish, crustaceans, and inverts Not reef‑safe — will eat shrimp, crabs, and other small tankmates Best kept in predator or FOWLR systems with appropriately sized companions Tank Requirements Minimum 180 gallons for juveniles; 300+ gallons recommended for adults Requires a soft sandy substrate to protect the belly and prevent abrasions Rockwork should be stable and arranged to avoid tight spaces where sharks can get stuck Stable water parameters: 72–78°F, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.020–1.025, dKH 8–12 Strong oxygenation and excellent filtration are essential Diet Carnivore Eats squid, shrimp, clams, silversides, and other meaty marine foods Benefits from vitamin‑soaked foods to prevent nutritional deficiencies Feed 2–3 times weekly once established Compatibility Works well with larger, non‑aggressive fish Avoid triggers, large wrasses, puffers, or fish that may nip at fins Not suitable with small ornamental fish or invertebrates Why Hobbyists Love It Manageable size compared to most sharks Attractive white spotting and calm behavior Excellent centerpiece animal for large predator tanks Hardy and adaptable once established