From ReefPedia

[edit] Brownbanded Bamboo Shark Scientific Name Chiloscyllium punctatum Max. Size: 41 inches/104 cm Tank Size: Minimum for small pups at least 180 gallons(for 1st 18 months). Minimum for an adult - at least 540 gallons. Aggression: not really aggressive, but can be an aggressove feeder. Hardiness: Very hardy species - usually considered a great "beginner" shark. Reef-Safe: Yes - but is known to knock over coral. Available as captive-bred: Yes - sometimes ofter for sales as Captive bred .

pic coming soon

Physical Description

Juveniles have dark colored(ranging from Dark brown to black) & light colored bands over it's entire body. As the shar matures the bands begin to fade. A full grown adult will have either very faint bands or no visible bands at all. Appearing as a Brown colored carpet shark, with a whitish colored belly.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific region - from Japan to Australia, and From Indonesia to India.

Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About

• Family: Hemiscyllidae - Long-tailed Carpet sharks

• Genus: Chiloscyllium - Bamboo sharks

• Species: punctatum

Behavior

Usually noturnal. Rarely swimming around - unless at night or food is present. Also known to walk around on it's pectorial fins.

Feeding

Primarily benthic invertebrates (Shrimp, crab, clam. & octopus) but also occasional small benthic fishes.

Breeding

Oviparous - known to lay eggs - which are often sold in LFS. Pups are born at about 6 inches. But may have trouble feeding after birth.

Social Structure

Known to be social - but seems to prefer small groups usually with 1 male and a couple of females.

Current Views

Additional Notes

This species is often sold in LFS as the Banded Cat Shark, or Banded Bamboo shark. But it is the most common shark sold in LFS. It is also the largest of the Bamboo sharks, and 2nd only the Common Epaulette in terms of being the largest Hemiscyllid of all.