Horn Shark
Heterodontus francisci
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Shark
Family: Heterodontidae
Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.
Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About 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.
Diet & nutrition
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.
Acclimation process
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.
Articles
All photos
Tap a photo to open the gallery viewer.