Brown Banded Bamboo Shark-SM Chiloscyllium punctatum

Size: Small

The Brown Banded Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) is a classic “cat shark” style species that quickly becomes the star of any large marine aquarium. As a juvenile, it shows bold dark bands across a lighter body, which gradually soften and fade as it matures into a sleek, mottled adult. Its slow, “walking” movement along the sandbed makes it endlessly fun to watch.

This shark is best suited for experienced saltwater keepers with a large, dedicated system. It spends most of its time resting on the bottom or slowly cruising the tank, so footprint is more important than height. A wide tank with lots of open sand, gentle flow, and smooth rockwork is ideal. Always use a fine sand substrate to protect its belly and fins – rough gravel can cause injuries and infections.

Brown Banded Bamboo Sharks are generally peaceful but predatory. They should be kept with larger, calm tankmates that won’t nip at their fins and are too big to be considered food. Small fish, crabs, shrimp, and other inverts are likely to be eaten over time. A tight-fitting lid is a must, as sharks can be surprisingly strong and may push up loose covers.

Feeding is straightforward but should be consistent. Offer a varied, meaty diet of marine-based foods like shrimp, squid, clam, krill, and pieces of fish. Target feeding with tongs near the bottom helps ensure your shark gets its share without overloading the system with leftover food. Strong biological filtration, good oxygenation, and stable water quality are key for long-term success.

• Common Name: Brown Banded Bamboo Shark
• Scientific Name: Chiloscyllium punctatum
• Care Level: Advanced
• Temperament: Generally Peaceful, Predatory
• Minimum Tank Size: 180+ gallons with a large footprint and open sandbed
• Environment: Tropical marine, stable and well-oxygenated
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe with small fish or invertebrates
• Diet: Carnivore – meaty marine foods, best target-fed with tongs
• Ideal Substrate: Fine sand with smooth, stable rock structures

If you’ve been wanting a shark that combines impressive presence with relatively calm behavior, the Brown Banded Bamboo Shark is a fantastic choice. In the right setup with proper care, it becomes a long-lived, unforgettable centerpiece that steals the show every time it glides across the sand.