Sharks can make exciting and unique pets, but they are definitely not cheap! Buying and properly caring for a pet shark requires a major investment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs:
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Shark Purchase Price
The upfront cost to purchase a shark depends on many factors:
- Species – Small sharks like bamboo sharks or catsharks range from $200 – $500. Medium sharks like horn sharks or epaulettes cost $1,000 – $5,000. Large sharks like blacktip or whitetip sharks are $5,000 – $20,000.
- Age – Younger sharks are cheaper than mature adults. A shark pup may be a few hundred dollars, while a full-grown shark is thousands.
- Health – Any signs of poor health or infection will lower the price. Quarantine new sharks to avoid introducing disease.
- Source – Wild caught sharks are generally cheaper than captive bred. But captive bred sharks adapt better to captivity.
- Rarity – Unusual or rare species have higher price tags. Common beginner sharks are most affordable.
Do your research to find a reasonably priced shark suited to your tank size and experience level. Avoid impulse buys.
Shark Tank
Owning a shark requires a large tank with strong filtration. Tank setup costs include:
| Tank Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 180 gallon | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 500 gallon | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 1,000 gallon | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| 10,000+ gallon | $15,000+ |
- Filtration – A high-quality protein skimmer, live rock, powerful pumps, and more are required. This can cost $1,000 – $5,000.
- Lighting – Proper aquarium lighting adds $500 – $1,500 to costs.
- Decor – Sharks need hides, caves, and enrichment objects. Budget $500 – $1,000 for decor.
- Stand – A sturdy stand is required, especially for large tanks. $500 – $2,000.
- Other equipment – Heaters, testing kits, nets, pumps and more will cost $500 – $2,000.
A basic shark tank can cost $5,000 – $10,000. Complex reef-style tanks cost $15,000+. Shop used to save money.
Monthly Care & Feeding
Caring for a pet shark has high monthly costs:
- Saltwater – Special aquarium salt mixes cost $100 – $300 per month.
- Electricity – Powering tank equipment can be $100 – $500 per month. Use energy efficient gear.
- Food – Sharks are meat eaters and need quality seafood like shrimp, squid, crab and fish. Feed them 2-3 times per week, budgeting $50 – $200 per month.
- Supplements – Vitamins and medications cost around $50 – $100 monthly.
- Water changes – Regular water testing and partial water changes cost $100 – $300 per month.
- Tank maintenance – Filter cleaning/replacement, algae removal, etc runs $100 – $300 monthly.
Factor in vet bills, tank repairs and other unexpected costs too. The monthly total for a shark often exceeds $1,000.
Total Cost
Buying and properly caring for a pet shark has high startup and ongoing costs. The total cost can easily exceed $50,000+ over a 10+ year lifespan. Make sure you carefully consider the commitment before bringing one of these amazing creatures home!
