Carpet Shark
Carpet Shark — Photo: Mark Paterson
The Carpet Shark or Draughtsboard shark get its name as many of them have blotchy patterns on the upper side reminiscent of a carpet. They are endemic to New Zealand coastal waters and are found at depths of 1 to 400 metres, it is a bottom dweller that is mainly nocturnal and during the day is usually found hiding under ledges or inside caves on rocky reefs, at night, it emerges to forage for food over sandy areas where it feeds on a wide variety of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates.
- Scientific Name
- Cephaloscyllium isabellum
- Habitat
- They are endemic to New Zealand coastal waters and are found at depths of 1 to 400 metres
- Temperament
- Predatory
- Tank Age/Maturity
- At least 1,000 litres and minimum 6 months old
- Diet
- It feeds on a wide variety of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates.
- Special Requirements
- Needs a large system to grow in 1,000 litres plus
- Endemic
- Yes
- Size
- Up to 1.2 metres can reach 60cm in 2 1/2 years.
- Aquarium Suitability
- Only in a large system