Coastal Waters
Shark
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Swell Shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum)
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Description
The Swell Shark is a nocturnal, bottom-dwelling shark species known for its unique ability to inflate its body as a defense mechanism. Native to the Eastern Pacific’s kelp forests and rocky reefs, it thrives in large, cold marine aquariums with subdued lighting and ample shelter.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Swell Shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a large, coldwater marine setup with soft substrate, strong filtration, and secure rockwork for hiding.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Occasionally wild-collected for public aquariums. Not commonly available to hobbyists. Regional conservation protections apply.
Origin
Native to the Eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from central California to southern Mexico. Commonly found along rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sandy bottoms at depths of 5–200 meters.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Features a robust, mottled beige-and-brown body with a blunt snout and large greenish eyes. When threatened, it inflates its body with water or air to wedge into rocky crevices or deter predators. Nocturnal and slow-moving, it rests curled in caves during the day and hunts at night.
Purpose
Acts as a fascinating showcase species for coldwater marine tanks or public aquarium exhibits. Its inflation behavior, resting posture, and cryptic camouflage make it an unusual, conversation-starting addition.
Importance
Ideal for aquarists building species-specific or educational temperate tanks. Its care difficulty and tank size make it unsuitable for general hobbyists but important for conservation-focused aquaria.
Included Resources
Needs a chiller, dim lighting, sandy or fine substrate, and secure rock structures. Strong biological filtration and low-stress tankmates are essential for long-term success.
Best Use Cases
Coldwater marine aquariums (180+ gallons), kelp forest biotopes, research exhibits, and large public aquarium displays.
Conservation Context
While not currently endangered, the Swell Shark is part of fragile kelp forest ecosystems. It is a sentinel species affected by overfishing, ocean warming, and habitat degradation.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Catalina goby
• Coldwater blennies
• Island cowfish
• Other coldwater inverts and fish with passive temperaments
• Avoid fast or aggressive reef species
Region (A)
• Latitude: 34.0259° N
• Longitude: -118.7798° W
(Point Dume, California — kelp forest habitat)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 23.6345° N
• Longitude: -102.5528° W
(Southern Baja coast — sandy reef interface)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Swell Shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a large, coldwater marine setup with soft substrate, strong filtration, and secure rockwork for hiding.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Occasionally wild-collected for public aquariums. Not commonly available to hobbyists. Regional conservation protections apply.
Origin
Native to the Eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from central California to southern Mexico. Commonly found along rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sandy bottoms at depths of 5–200 meters.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Features a robust, mottled beige-and-brown body with a blunt snout and large greenish eyes. When threatened, it inflates its body with water or air to wedge into rocky crevices or deter predators. Nocturnal and slow-moving, it rests curled in caves during the day and hunts at night.
Purpose
Acts as a fascinating showcase species for coldwater marine tanks or public aquarium exhibits. Its inflation behavior, resting posture, and cryptic camouflage make it an unusual, conversation-starting addition.
Importance
Ideal for aquarists building species-specific or educational temperate tanks. Its care difficulty and tank size make it unsuitable for general hobbyists but important for conservation-focused aquaria.
Included Resources
Needs a chiller, dim lighting, sandy or fine substrate, and secure rock structures. Strong biological filtration and low-stress tankmates are essential for long-term success.
Best Use Cases
Coldwater marine aquariums (180+ gallons), kelp forest biotopes, research exhibits, and large public aquarium displays.
Conservation Context
While not currently endangered, the Swell Shark is part of fragile kelp forest ecosystems. It is a sentinel species affected by overfishing, ocean warming, and habitat degradation.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Catalina goby
• Coldwater blennies
• Island cowfish
• Other coldwater inverts and fish with passive temperaments
• Avoid fast or aggressive reef species
Region (A)
• Latitude: 34.0259° N
• Longitude: -118.7798° W
(Point Dume, California — kelp forest habitat)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 23.6345° N
• Longitude: -102.5528° W
(Southern Baja coast — sandy reef interface)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Swell Shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a large, coldwater marine setup with soft substrate, strong filtration, and secure rockwork for hiding.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Occasionally wild-collected for public aquariums. Not commonly available to hobbyists. Regional conservation protections apply.
Origin
Native to the Eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from central California to southern Mexico. Commonly found along rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sandy bottoms at depths of 5–200 meters.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Features a robust, mottled beige-and-brown body with a blunt snout and large greenish eyes. When threatened, it inflates its body with water or air to wedge into rocky crevices or deter predators. Nocturnal and slow-moving, it rests curled in caves during the day and hunts at night.
Purpose
Acts as a fascinating showcase species for coldwater marine tanks or public aquarium exhibits. Its inflation behavior, resting posture, and cryptic camouflage make it an unusual, conversation-starting addition.
Importance
Ideal for aquarists building species-specific or educational temperate tanks. Its care difficulty and tank size make it unsuitable for general hobbyists but important for conservation-focused aquaria.
Included Resources
Needs a chiller, dim lighting, sandy or fine substrate, and secure rock structures. Strong biological filtration and low-stress tankmates are essential for long-term success.
Best Use Cases
Coldwater marine aquariums (180+ gallons), kelp forest biotopes, research exhibits, and large public aquarium displays.
Conservation Context
While not currently endangered, the Swell Shark is part of fragile kelp forest ecosystems. It is a sentinel species affected by overfishing, ocean warming, and habitat degradation.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Catalina goby
• Coldwater blennies
• Island cowfish
• Other coldwater inverts and fish with passive temperaments
• Avoid fast or aggressive reef species
Region (A)
• Latitude: 34.0259° N
• Longitude: -118.7798° W
(Point Dume, California — kelp forest habitat)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 23.6345° N
• Longitude: -102.5528° W
(Southern Baja coast — sandy reef interface)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Swell Shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum)
Region
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