How to Buy Sharks For a Home Aquarium

If you have a home aquarium, a shark can be a very interesting and exciting addition to your tank. In order to buy a shark for your home aquarium you will need to be very prepared as a mistake could result in either the demise of your pre-existing fish or the demise of your new shark.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fish supplier
• Home aquarium

1. Assess your tank water. Is your tank a fresh water aquarium? If you have a fresh water tank there a few small species of fish known as "sharks" which really aren't sharks at all. They look like sharks and may even swim like sharks, but real fresh water sharks are not normally found at your local fish shop. These pseudo sharks are the most popular choice for home aquariums because they don't grow quite as large as real sharks. Saltwater sharks are very difficult to care for and need tanks that are larger than your home will likely accomodate.

2. Gauge the size of the tank. Sharks can grow quite large and need plenty of room to swim and burrow if they are the kind of shark that likes to bury itself. You should only purchase a shark that will have at least 5 body lengths in room to swim when it is full grown and preferably even more room. Your local fish dealer will know the full grown size of the shark.

3. Determine what other fish will be in the tank with the shark. Small fish could get eaten by your new pet shark so if you have tiny varieties it is best to keep the shark out of that tank. Fish that bite are also not good tank companions for sharks as they have little protection on their skin from the bites of other fish. Fish suppliers will know what kinds of fish get along best with a particular species of shark.

4. Research fish suppliers. If you ask around you will be able to find out the best fish suppliers in the area. Some fish suppliers take better care of their stock and offer refunds if the shark dies within a certain time frame which guarantees their health. If a fish supplier doesn't have the particular kind of shark you are looking for he can probably get it on order.

5. Do not choose large saltwater species of sharks. Even the smallest saltwater shark is too big for a home aquarium. Even if you think the shark will fit in it now, it will grow rapidly and you will either have to increase the size of the tank or find a new home for your shark. Any fish supplier who would sell you this type of shark is dishonest or does not care about the well being of the sharks he sells.