Tank size for epaulette shark

[josh0302]

Ive been thinking of planning a tank around one of these beauties. What minimum tank size do you suggest? Im thinking 250-300 gallon aquarium but I would love your input and experience. Thanks!

[tonysi]

For a coral catshark, atelomycterus marmoratus, that would be fine but an eppie would need a tank with a much larger footprint, a pond would be better and cheaper than a large tank.

[josh0302]

Im thinking 3 feet high by 5 feet long by 3 feet wide.Would a papua new guinea epaulette need less space than an australian. Because I'm either thinking 1 australian or 2 papua new guineas.

[Betta132]

Too small. That would be like keeping your dog in a large dog crate.

[josh0302]

Ok, would two coral catsharks work?

[alprazo]

Nothing is coming out of PNG anymore so forget about the halstromi. Imo eppies needs less room than the cats. They more commonly walk than swin and Handle tight spaces and crevices much better. I would say a 300 , preferable round, would be the minimum size for one. I have three different species of eppies and the halstromi is similar in size to my ocellatum and trispeculare adults at around 32 inches.

Th Bali cat shark is available and smaller than than the coral cat. It however is a swimmer and should have ample room to navigate. I've had eppies for about 20 years so I am speaking with experience.

[Dmorty217]

Like Alprazo said a 300g would work providing you have a separate large refugium and "rock tank" to aid in filtration. The DT should be mostly open with a secured overhang or two for the shark to hide and feel secure during the day. PNG Eppies are a thing of the past and with Austrailias collection laws there are very few that hit the market at all

[josh0302]

Do captive bred australian epaulettes come up in the market?

[Dmorty217]

Do captive bred australian epaulettes come up in the market?

Yes but they are few and far between. There is a place in michigan that tank breeds and raises them. Horn sharks too. PM me if you would like and I can tell you where they are available in the summer. I'm building a home to put my 625g in that will house a Eppie

[josh0302]

Ok. I'm almost finished planning the whole tank, and it will be explained in a different thread.

[josh0302]

the thread will be posted on the "reef fishes" forum.