Macroalgae Farms
Whitespotted Bamboo Cat Shark
Key Features:
Estimated delivery between June 16 and June 18.
About this item
Whitespotted Bamboo Cat Shark
The Whitespotted Bamboo Cat Shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) is one of the most extraordinary and bucket-list-worthy animals in the entire saltwater hobby. An elegant, sleek-bodied shark with classic bamboo-shark patterning and signature white spots scattered across a dark, glossy body — a real, living shark cruising the substrate of a home aquarium. Few animals in any aquarium command attention the way a bamboo shark does. Watch one glide along the sandbed, pause to investigate the rockwork, or rest motionless in a cave with that unmistakable shark presence — every observation is a moment with one of the ocean's most iconic predators.
The Whitespotted Bamboo is one of the most accessible shark species in the saltwater hobby — a benthic, slow-moving species that adapts well to dedicated aquarium systems and can live for decades under proper care. They are intelligent, curious, and develop genuine personality over time, recognizing keepers and learning feeding routines. Reaching an adult size of approximately 30–40 inches, the Whitespotted Bamboo is a long-term commitment that grows into one of the most spectacular display animals a reefer can keep. Smaller specimens settle in quickly and grow steadily under stable conditions, eventually becoming the unmistakable centerpiece of any large display system.
Keeping a Whitespotted Bamboo Shark is unlike keeping any reef fish or invertebrate. It is a specialist commitment — a large, dedicated system with sandy bottom and open swimming space, careful diet, and a willingness to plan for an adult animal — but the reward is unmatched in the hobby. For reefers ready to build a true showcase aquarium around a single iconic species, the Whitespotted Bamboo Shark delivers an experience no other animal can replicate. This is the kind of animal you build a tank around.
Available Options
Small (5–7")
- One small Whitespotted Bamboo Shark — ideal acclimation-size for new bamboo shark keepers preparing a long-term system
- Full juvenile patterning with classic white-spotted markings already developed
- The perfect entry point for hobbyists ready to grow a bamboo shark from an early stage
Medium (7–10")
- One mid-size Whitespotted Bamboo Shark — actively feeding, well-acclimated, and displaying full color expression
- Sub-adult specimen with strong feeding response and confident behavior
- Ready for an established large-system display with sandy substrate and open swimming space
Large (10–14")
- One large Whitespotted Bamboo Shark — well-developed and display-ready for immediate impact
- Strong feeding response, full patterning, and the visual presence of a true centerpiece animal
- Ideal for keepers ready to skip the early grow-out stage and place a substantial shark from day one
Care Information
| 🌡️ Temperature 72–78°F (22–26°C) — stable, no swings |
🧂 Salinity 1.020–1.026 — drip acclimate slowly |
| 🏠 Tank Size 180+ gallon minimum for adults — sandy bottom and open swimming space required |
🍽️ Diet Carnivore — shrimp, squid, scallop, fish, and other meaty seafood |
| 🐠 Temperament Predator — incompatible with small fish, shrimp, and crabs |
⚙️ Care Level Advanced — for experienced large-system keepers |
Special Considerations
🔍 Aquarium Insights
The Whitespotted Bamboo Cat Shark is one of the most rewarding centerpiece animals in the saltwater hobby:
- Classic white-spotted patterning on a sleek, dark body — one of the most visually iconic shark species in the aquarium trade
- Long-lived, intelligent, and develops genuine personality over time — recognizes keepers and learns feeding routines
- A true bucket-list shark species for hobbyists ready to build a dedicated large-system display around one of the most remarkable animals available to the saltwater hobby
Learn More
For detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our Species Library.
Due to natural variation, the Whitespotted Bamboo Shark you receive may vary slightly in coloration, spot pattern, and size within the stated size range. Pattern density and overall coloration may shift as the shark matures.
Photographs are representative examples. Individual specimens may display differences in pattern, behavior, and appearance depending on age, diet, and tank conditions.
As with all live animals, proper acclimation and a suitable, established environment are essential for best results. Whitespotted Bamboo Sharks require a dedicated large-system setup prepared in advance — please ensure your system is fully ready before purchase.
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