Horn Shark

General information

This shark is also known as within the aquarium trade as the Bullhead Shark, while the Horn Shark is smaller than many other shark species, it should be kept only by expert aquarists with very large aquariums. Horn Sharks are generally tan in color with some blotchy darker tan or brown areas and they may have a series of small black spots marking the body and are considered relatively small size (4 feet max) and slower swimming speeds. To properly house the Horn Shark, the aquarium should be very large (300 gallons +) and should have a sand substrate bottom and some rock work to provide hiding places. A sand substrate is crucial as the Horn Shark will lay on the bottom of the tank often and crushed coral or aragonite substrates will cause scratches and irritation on the Horn Sharks abdomen.

Adult Horn sharks will prey mainly on hard-shelled molluscs, echinoderms, and crustaceans, which they crush between powerful jaws and molar-like teeth, while also feeding opportunistically on a wide variety of other invertebrates and small bony fishes. Juveniles prefer softer-bodied prey such as polychaete worms and sea anemones.

When first introduced into the aquarium, small pieces of cleaned squid or live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat.