The Marbled Cat Shark is considered a “true catshark” with a long slender body and a narrow head. It is a bottom feeder that is found in Northern Australia.
The adult size of 24 inches (60 cm) makes this shark the smallest we have encountered!
The Marbled Cat Shark is considered a good aquarium choice. It is hardy and easy to take care of, though it will need a roomy marine aquarium to accommodate it when it reaches it’s adult size.
- For more information on keeping this fish see: Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Actiniform |
| Class: | Elasmobranchii |
| Order: | Carcharhiniformes |
| Family: | Scyliorhinidae |
| Genus: | Atelomycterus |
| Species: | macleayi |
Maintenance difficulty
The Marbled Cat Shark is easy to keep if you have a large enough aquarium.
Maintenance
Feed all kinds of large meaty foods like small pieces of fish, squid, shrimp, frozen silversides, and krill. Best to feed small amounts several times a day.
Habitat: Natural geographic location
Marbled Cat Shark are found near Northern Australia.
Foods
Natural foods include gastropod and bivalve molluscs with smaller amounts of crabs, shrimp, and small fish.
Social Behaviors
This fish can be kept with other fish and is usually no problem even with smaller fish that could be eaten. They usually only try to eat fish that are either dying or distressed.
Sexual differences
The medial edges of the male’s pelvic fins are modified to form claspers. The claspers are tubelike organs designed to deliver sperm into the female’s reproductive tract. As the males grow older the claspers become more pronounced. The females do not have these.
Light: Recommended light levels
No special requirements.
Breeding/Reproduction
Oviparous egglayer. The young are about 10 cm (4 inches) in length when they hatch.
Temperature
No special requirements.
Length/Diameter of fish
Marbled Cat Shark adults can grow to 24 inches (60 cm).
Minimum Tank Length/Size
A minimum 100 gallon aquarium is recommended.
Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong
Not particular.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom
Spends time at the bottom of the aquarium.
Availability
This fish is occasionally available.
- Beginner Fish – Saltwater fish for beginners
- Community Fish – Peaceful Saltwater fish
- Hardy Fish – Hardy Saltwater fish
Featured Image Credit: SergeUWPhoto, Shutterstock