Coastal Waters
Shark
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Burmese Bambooshark (Chiloscyllium burmensis)
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Description
The Burmese Bambooshark is a rare, bottom-dwelling species that brings cryptic beauty and nocturnal behavior to large marine aquariums. It’s small for a shark, but still requires expert-level care, and is best suited for species-focused or public exhibits.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Burmese Bambooshark (Chiloscyllium burmensis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs a very large tank with fine substrate, dim lighting, and pristine oxygenated water. Nocturnal and stress-prone if mishandled.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Very limited in the wild; rarely collected. Ethical sourcing is critical due to its Near Threatened conservation status.
Origin
Endemic to coastal Myanmar and possibly parts of the eastern Bay of Bengal. Inhabits shallow, muddy seafloors and estuarine zones with low visibility.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Features a long, slender body with a smooth brown-to-olive tone and faint banding. It lacks the dramatic markings of other bamboosharks, but its subtle coloration and elongated tail make it a striking, cryptic presence in dim aquascapes.
Purpose
Used as a benthic focal species in large display tanks. Adds behavioral diversity with slow cruising, burrowing, and resting motions. Enhances realism in deep reef or coastal biotope designs.
Importance
Its small adult size (around 25 inches) makes it one of the most manageable sharks in captivity. Rarely aggressive, it’s a docile species for keepers committed to replicating its natural environment.
Included Resources
Requires a tank over 500 gallons with fine sand or soft mud substrate, strong filtration, and stable salinity. Dim or blue-tinted lighting reduces stress. Chillers may be needed in warm climates.
Best Use Cases
Best for dedicated shark tanks, educational marine centers, or advanced hobbyists building Indo-Pacific benthic ecosystems. Not compatible with reef setups or aggressive fish.
Conservation Context
Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Rarely encountered in the wild and highly vulnerable to habitat degradation and bycatch. Ethical acquisition and education are key to its long-term survival.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Other peaceful, bottom-dwelling species
• Non-nippy rays or sharks (similar temperament)
• Avoid fast-swimming or territorial fish
• No stinging inverts or sharp substrate
Region (A)
• Latitude: 14.0000° N
• Longitude: 98.0000° E
(Coastal Myanmar — Irrawaddy River Delta and nearby mudflats)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 16.7631° N
• Longitude: 94.7321° E
(Bay of Bengal — Eastern coastal shelf waters)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Burmese Bambooshark (Chiloscyllium burmensis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs a very large tank with fine substrate, dim lighting, and pristine oxygenated water. Nocturnal and stress-prone if mishandled.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Very limited in the wild; rarely collected. Ethical sourcing is critical due to its Near Threatened conservation status.
Origin
Endemic to coastal Myanmar and possibly parts of the eastern Bay of Bengal. Inhabits shallow, muddy seafloors and estuarine zones with low visibility.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Features a long, slender body with a smooth brown-to-olive tone and faint banding. It lacks the dramatic markings of other bamboosharks, but its subtle coloration and elongated tail make it a striking, cryptic presence in dim aquascapes.
Purpose
Used as a benthic focal species in large display tanks. Adds behavioral diversity with slow cruising, burrowing, and resting motions. Enhances realism in deep reef or coastal biotope designs.
Importance
Its small adult size (around 25 inches) makes it one of the most manageable sharks in captivity. Rarely aggressive, it’s a docile species for keepers committed to replicating its natural environment.
Included Resources
Requires a tank over 500 gallons with fine sand or soft mud substrate, strong filtration, and stable salinity. Dim or blue-tinted lighting reduces stress. Chillers may be needed in warm climates.
Best Use Cases
Best for dedicated shark tanks, educational marine centers, or advanced hobbyists building Indo-Pacific benthic ecosystems. Not compatible with reef setups or aggressive fish.
Conservation Context
Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Rarely encountered in the wild and highly vulnerable to habitat degradation and bycatch. Ethical acquisition and education are key to its long-term survival.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Other peaceful, bottom-dwelling species
• Non-nippy rays or sharks (similar temperament)
• Avoid fast-swimming or territorial fish
• No stinging inverts or sharp substrate
Region (A)
• Latitude: 14.0000° N
• Longitude: 98.0000° E
(Coastal Myanmar — Irrawaddy River Delta and nearby mudflats)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 16.7631° N
• Longitude: 94.7321° E
(Bay of Bengal — Eastern coastal shelf waters)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Burmese Bambooshark (Chiloscyllium burmensis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs a very large tank with fine substrate, dim lighting, and pristine oxygenated water. Nocturnal and stress-prone if mishandled.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Very limited in the wild; rarely collected. Ethical sourcing is critical due to its Near Threatened conservation status.
Origin
Endemic to coastal Myanmar and possibly parts of the eastern Bay of Bengal. Inhabits shallow, muddy seafloors and estuarine zones with low visibility.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Features a long, slender body with a smooth brown-to-olive tone and faint banding. It lacks the dramatic markings of other bamboosharks, but its subtle coloration and elongated tail make it a striking, cryptic presence in dim aquascapes.
Purpose
Used as a benthic focal species in large display tanks. Adds behavioral diversity with slow cruising, burrowing, and resting motions. Enhances realism in deep reef or coastal biotope designs.
Importance
Its small adult size (around 25 inches) makes it one of the most manageable sharks in captivity. Rarely aggressive, it’s a docile species for keepers committed to replicating its natural environment.
Included Resources
Requires a tank over 500 gallons with fine sand or soft mud substrate, strong filtration, and stable salinity. Dim or blue-tinted lighting reduces stress. Chillers may be needed in warm climates.
Best Use Cases
Best for dedicated shark tanks, educational marine centers, or advanced hobbyists building Indo-Pacific benthic ecosystems. Not compatible with reef setups or aggressive fish.
Conservation Context
Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Rarely encountered in the wild and highly vulnerable to habitat degradation and bycatch. Ethical acquisition and education are key to its long-term survival.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Other peaceful, bottom-dwelling species
• Non-nippy rays or sharks (similar temperament)
• Avoid fast-swimming or territorial fish
• No stinging inverts or sharp substrate
Region (A)
• Latitude: 14.0000° N
• Longitude: 98.0000° E
(Coastal Myanmar — Irrawaddy River Delta and nearby mudflats)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 16.7631° N
• Longitude: 94.7321° E
(Bay of Bengal — Eastern coastal shelf waters)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Burmese Bambooshark (Chiloscyllium burmensis)
Region
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