Introduction

The red-tailed shark breeding process is a common aspect of marine and ocean ecology. The sharks are bred through the use of a two-stage reproductive strategy to produce high numbers for commercial fishing and as an educational tool.

Red tailed shark breeding what you need to know

1. Water condition

Red tailed shark breeding is best in a large tank or pool that is not crowded. The water condition should be maintained at about 27 degrees Celsius (80ÂFahrenheit). The water quality should be monitored as well to ensure there isn’t a build-up of ammonia and nitrites, which can lead to the death of the shark.

2. Water depth

The depth of the aquarium should be at least four feet to accommodate the growth and maturity of the shark during the larval fish stage and when they later become adults. The water must be aerated to ensure oxygen is present and circulation is excellent.

3. Tankmates

The Red tailed shark should not be kept with other sharks of the same or larger size, as they sometimes eat their tank mates. This also includes other fish that are too large, as they could damage the shark’s fins and tail. Small-sized fish such as herrings and small mackerel can be added to the tank, but it should not exceed a ratio of one fish to every ten gallons of water. When breeding Red Tailed Sharks, companionship is an important part of the process.

4. Food

Feeding red-tail sharks are important to their well-being, but it must be done cautiously as they have very sharp teeth. The young and juvenile sharks can be fed on small fish, but if they are provided with larger feeders such as mackerels, their teeth may grow too large for their mouths. As adults, the sharks should be fed a variety of meat like beef heart, pork, and squid occasionally.

5. Breeding

The breeding cycle starts with the male biting at the female’s pectoral fins and by holding her with his teeth, he can then mount her. He will then release his grip on her, but if she is not ready for mating, she will shake him off. The gestation period of a red-tail shark is about eight months, after which the eggs are laid in a birthing chamber closer to the surface of the water.

During the birthing process, the female will release as many as 14 pups at a time, which are about 40 cm. in length. They have a thick layer of black skin at birth, but it will shed off within two months to reveal they’re natural coloration.

The pups are weaned after two months and then fed on small fish, which helps in the development of their teeth. This also provides them with essential minerals and vitamins they would not get from the yolk of their eggs.

6. Temperament

Red tailed sharks are generally docile and will eat only what they are fed. When kept in a breeding tank, the shark needs to be fed live food as well as meat fish. They can be aggressive with other sharks of the same size, so should be kept individually. The Red tailed shark is often found in oceans around Australia and should not be introduced into freshwater systems or heavily polluted areas. It would be most suitable for a private aquarium.

7. Cleaning and Filter

The red bait tank requires careful management and cleaning to ensure the fish remain in optimum conditions. A simple gravel tray should be used at the bottom of the pool which can easily be changed if required. This can also be used to grow plants to provide natural cover for the sharks, but they may eat them as well.

A small filter should also be fitted and maintained as it removes harmful contaminants, such as nitrates and ammonia, which will kill your fish if allowed to build up. A slotted pool should also be used, which allows for the exchange of gases. The tank should be cleaned once every two weeks using a gravel vacuum to suck up any debris and waste.

8. Breeding locations and method

The most common breeding site for Red tailed sharks is in the hulls of boats as they provide a protected environment, especially when it comes to the pups. However, the pups can be housed in plastic boxes or bags to ensure they are not eaten. During mating, the male shark will bite the female’s pectoral fin to hold her and then mount her by biting a hole in her belly and inserting his genitalia.

The eggs should be removed from the egg case in about two months and are very delicate, so careful handling is required. Once hatched, the pups are fed on live food which includes small fish such as anchovies, squid, or small crustaceans at first. Once the pups are a year old, they can be fed on larger fish such as sardines or mackerel.

The breeding of Red tailed sharks is a very delicate process and should not be undertaken by anyone who does not understand the process. The sharks need to be in optimum condition, with clean water and no risk of the infectious disease coming from the fish or their food supply.

9. Common Diseases

This species is susceptible to some common diseases, such as ich and gill rot. If you are planning on breeding Red tailed sharks, you should ensure a quarantine tank is in place to ensure the fish remain free from parasites.

Preventive medicine should be administered from the time the shark is purchased to ensure the potential disease is treated early enough. This can be done through a variety of medications, such as copper sulfate.

10. The future for Red tailed sharks

Red tailed sharks are in trouble, mainly because of the overfishing that has taken place in the past few years. The sharks a currently listed as a threatened species which means that the population is in decline. This has prompted many countries to introduce protective measures, especially when fishing or breeding.

Conclusion

Red tail sharks are great fish to keep and should be one of the first species to be considered for your aquarium. There is much to learn about these beautiful animals, but all you need is a little patience and you too will be able to enjoy this fascinating creature.

The post Red Tailed Shark Breeding: What You Need To Know appeared first on Fresh Water Central.