These three shark species plus the oceanic white tip are usually regarded as the most dangerous sharks to humans worldwide. But, the bull shark has a particular behavior that makes it prone to encounter people more often. It frequents rivers, shallow waters and other bodies of freshwater. Basically, the kind of water bodies human beings enter most often.
Even great white sharks are not known to inhabit freshwater. The bull shark, carcharhinus leucascomes , is so named because of its stocky shape, broad and rounded flat snout, and seemingly aggressive, unpredictable behavior. As a result of these characteristics, many experts have come to believe that they may even be the most dangerous shark species on earth. However, though these fish do come in close proximity to humans, actual statistics still show that your chances of suffering a shark attack are extremely slim.
For instance, lightning kills about 41 people in coastal American states annually as compared to less than one human death from shark attacks every couple of years. But how is it that bull sharks are able to switch so easily from saltwater to freshwater and back? This kind of environment change would be deadly to most other shark species.
The average shark must retain salt in its body to survive. If not, its cells will rupture causing bloating and subsequent death. For this reason, most sharks will not enter fresh water. Even if they do, they return to saltwater quickly if not their internal salt levels would become diluted.
Now, both freshwater and saltwater fish are able to live in their various watery environments because of a process called osmoregulation. Osmoregulation happens when an organism is able to maintain a constant concentration of water in its body. Such an organism will maintain that concentration despite being in an environment that would normally cause it to lose or gain water.
However, the bull sharks have somehow developed a special kind of osmoregulation whereby their kidneys recycle the salt content within their bodies. Also, they have special glands near their tails that aid in salt retention. They can thrive in freshwater bodies, brackish water, or salt water. This property becomes more pronounced as the bull shark ages. Therefore, you will find the majority of younger bull sharks in freshwater while the older bulls frequent saltwater areas.
Bull sharks of reproductive age leave these waters for the sea in order to mate. It also appears the bull sharks have a clever strategy behind having their nurseries in freshwater. Other predatory shark species that may want to feed on bull shark young will not enter those areas. Thus, the freshwater becomes a protective region where bull shark young can grow safely till they are mature enough to venture out. In addition, bull sharks are known for their almost zero tolerance for provocation.
After understanding the amazing survival ability of bull sharks in freshwater, experts now believe that bull sharks, rather than great whites, may have actually been responsible for the Jersey Shore shark attacks of Bull sharks are the exception to this rule — they can tolerate brackish and even freshwater conditions because of their advanced ability to osmoregulate, or maintain a constant concentration of water in their bodies despite changing salinity levels in the water.
This species is known to travel 60 miles upstream in warm rivers like the Mississippi and the Amazon. On one of her research trips, she encountered a 2.
Why would a bull shark journey up the Neuse River? Perhaps in pursuit of the dolphins also swimming there, or maybe because the river provides a good nursery area for their pups. Throughout the day, they will chow down on algae they find throughout the fish tank.
Though, this should be supplemented with sinking fish food, blanched vegetables, and some high-quality live food. Native to Southeast Asia, Iridescent Sharks are a big commitment. Not only do they get large, but these fish are known to live 20 years or more!
If you ever see one of these fish in person, you might be confused as to how they get their name! Adult Iridescent sharks are usually solid dark gray in color. Truth is, that muted tone is something that forms slowly as the fish gets older. As juveniles, the Iridescent Shark is covered in dark shiny skin that shines in the light. Aside from their color, these are very interesting looking freshwater sharks for your fish tank. They have that familiar catfish-like head complete with barbels.
However, their bodies are quite bulbous. The fins are quite large and fan-like as well, giving the fish a unique profile.
Overall, Iridescent Sharks are not too fussy about their environments. They like temperatures between 72 and 79 degrees, standard pH levels between 6. That said, feeding can be a bit of a challenge. These sharks need a lot of food. Not only that, but there needs to be some variety to ensure that they are getting all their nutrients. The fish are omnivores that will eat pretty much anything, so make sure to mix things up.
Unlike other freshwater aquarium sharks, the Violet Blushing Shark is quite passive. As a result, they do well in community tanks. That said, you should still avoid keeping these fish with smaller creatures that they can view as food. They do best when kept with medium-sized fish. Violet Blushing Sharks get their name from their unique appearance. The fish are covered in a silvery-white color.
You can see some sheen on their bodies, but only if they are under some powerful lights. The bodies are transparent, allowing you to see individual organs. The gills are visible through the body, making it look like fish is blushing! Keeping a well-maintained tank is crucial for these fish. They need stable temperatures between 68 and 78 degrees to stay healthy. The Violet Blushing Shark needs to have a lot of swimming space, too.
The biggest mistake newer aquarists make with this species is filling the tank with too many decorations. Plants, driftwood, and rocks are all important for making the fish feel comfortable. But so is plenty of open swimming space! The Columbian Shark has some strict care requirements.
As juveniles, they require brackish water to stay healthy. Columbian Sharks also tend to be problematic when kept with other fish. These are predatory creatures that will hunt out smaller fish species. Another way that you can stave off predatory behavior is to keep the fish well-fed.
The Columbian Shark thrives on a high-protein diet of live and frozen food. They do well on pellets and commercial dry foods, too. However, they prefer live foods that they can hunt down. From an appearance standpoint, these fish are one of the most shark-like species you can get for your aquarium. They have a large sail-like dorsal fin. Their bodies are typically covered in shades of black, gray, and silver.
These barbels are used to navigate their environment and hunt down food. The Black Shark is a large fish species with a semi-aggressive nature. Originally found throughout Malaysia, these fish are very popular because of their forboding looks.
Covered in all black, the Black Shark has that familiar profile that many freshwater sharks share. This includes a massive dorsal fin.
When the fish is swimming, the dorsal fin will usually lay relatively flat against their rounded body. However, it will also stand tall from time to time as the fish shows off.
The Black Shark can get very aggressive and predatory. They should not be kept with small fish species. Most aquarists will house them alongside other aggressive species that can handle the bullying nature of the Black Shark. This includes some Cichlid species. Some protein is good, but they are omnivores that will eat just about anything. They have a penchant for plant-based foods.
In fact, these fish are notorious for eating plants. Thus, the Black Shark is recommended for tanks that are sparse in the plant department. They do best with a lot of open swimming space.
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