Whitespotted bamboo shark
Chiloscyllium plagiosum
Where at Shedd?
Wild Reef
| Diet | Fishes, crustaceans |
|---|---|
| Size | Length: Up to 3 feet (95 cm) |
| Type | Sharks & Rays |
| Range | Indian, West-Central Pacific Oceans |
| Habitat | Coral reefs |
About the Whitespotted bamboo shark
Wild Reef’s sharks aren’t only found in the immense central habitat. Nearby, you can also discover bamboo sharks in the lagoon and mangrove habitats. Distantly related to wobbegongs, these 3-foot-long, white-spotted sharks are also carpet sharks, hunting at night for small fishes and crustaceans.
Did you know?
Bamboo sharks have thin, spiky teeth ideal for piercing the flesh of fishes and other soft prey. However, the teeth can also shift and contract to crush harder prey.
- Shark species like bamboo sharks lay eggs, instead of giving birth to live young.
You might see the bamboo sharks biting each other in the lagoon. This is normal behavior for healthy sharks during breeding season. The sharks have tough skin that protects them from each other’s bites, and our animal care staff monitors their condition and behavior closely.