Shark - Short-Tail Nurse

Short Tail Nurse Shark - An Impressive Marine Predator

The Short Tail Nurse Shark (Pseudoginglymostoma brevicaudatum) is a magnificent and rare species that represents the ultimate challenge for advanced marine aquarists. With its sleek, muscular body, distinctive short tail, and impressive size, this nocturnal predator is a true showpiece for large, specialized aquarium systems. This species is recommended only for experienced aquarists with the space, resources, and expertise to meet its demanding requirements.

Key Features:

• Impressive Appearance: Sleek, muscular body with distinctive short tail and powerful swimming ability
• Rare Species: Uncommon in the aquarium trade, making this a unique opportunity for serious collectors
• Nocturnal Predator: Most active at night, hunting for fish and invertebrates
• Long-Lived: Can live for decades with proper care in appropriate systems
• Fascinating Behavior: Exhibits natural hunting and resting behaviors that are captivating to observe

Critical Care Requirements:

Tank Size: MINIMUM 1,000+ gallons; 2,000+ gallons strongly recommended for adult specimens
Experience Level: EXPERT ONLY - This species is not suitable for beginners or intermediate aquarists
Diet: Carnivore - requires whole fish, squid, shrimp, and other meaty foods; feed 2-3 times per week
Temperament: Predatory - will consume fish and invertebrates that fit in its mouth
Reef Compatibility: NOT reef safe - predatory toward fish and large invertebrates
Adult Size: Can reach 30+ inches (2.5+ feet) in length
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast - juveniles will outgrow smaller systems quickly

Tank Requirements:

Massive Filtration: Requires heavy-duty biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration to handle the bioload of a large predator. Protein skimming is essential.

Open Swimming Space: Needs substantial open areas for swimming and patrolling. Minimal rockwork to maximize swimming room.

Secure Cover: A completely secure lid or cover is mandatory - sharks can jump or push against covers when startled.

Water Quality: Pristine water conditions are critical. Regular large water changes (20-30% weekly) and consistent parameters are essential for long-term health.

Substrate: Fine sand substrate is preferred, as nurse sharks often rest on the bottom.

Feeding & Nutrition:

Short Tail Nurse Sharks are opportunistic predators that require a varied diet of whole foods. Offer fresh or frozen whole fish (silversides, mackerel, sardines), squid, large shrimp, and other meaty seafood. Feed 2-3 times per week, adjusting portions based on the shark's size and body condition. Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to water quality issues in even the largest systems.

Compatibility:

Tank Mates: Only large, fast-swimming fish that are too large to be consumed. Suitable tank mates might include large groupers, snappers, or other predatory fish of similar size. Avoid small fish, slow-moving species, and all invertebrates.

Multiple Sharks: Can potentially be kept with other shark species of similar size in extremely large systems (3,000+ gallons), but careful monitoring is required.

Legal & Ethical Considerations:

Permits: Check local and state regulations - some jurisdictions require permits or prohibit keeping sharks in home aquariums.

Long-Term Commitment: This species can live for 20+ years and will require increasingly large housing as it grows. Ensure you have a plan for the shark's entire lifespan, including potential relocation to public aquariums if it outgrows your system.

Responsible Ownership: Only purchase this species if you can provide appropriate housing, filtration, and care for its entire life. Impulse purchases of sharks often result in poor outcomes for the animal.

Important Notes:

• This species is NOT suitable for standard home aquariums
• Requires specialized equipment, massive water volume, and expert-level husbandry
• Will outgrow most home aquarium systems as it matures
• Ongoing costs for food, electricity, and maintenance are substantial
• Have a contingency plan for rehoming if necessary

Our Short Tail Nurse Sharks are carefully selected, quarantined, and feeding well before shipment. Each shark is backed by our live arrival guarantee. Due to the specialized nature of this species, we strongly encourage you to contact us before purchase to discuss your system specifications and ensure this species is appropriate for your setup.