Port Jackson Shark
Heterodontus portusjacksoni
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 300 gallons+ |
| Max Size | 24 inches |
| Temperature | 70–74°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Port Jackson Shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) is a bottom-dwelling, nocturnal bullhead shark from temperate southern Australian waters, known for its harness-like dark bands and blunt, ridged head. It’s best suited for large, chilled marine systems where it can cruise the sand and settle into low caves and overhangs.
What You’ll Observe:
- Spending long stretches resting on the bottom, then becoming more active as the lights dim
- Exploring rock edges and open sand in a steady, unhurried “patrol” pattern
- Strong interest in meaty foods, especially when offered on feeding tongs near the bottom
- Choosing a favorite sheltered spot and returning to it regularly during the day
To succeed, provide a wide-open footprint with smooth sand, sturdy rockwork, and strong filtration sized for a heavy meaty diet. Maintain stable, cool temperatures with a reliable chiller and protected pump intakes. Offer a varied menu of marine meaty items (like shrimp, squid, and other seafood) several times per week, and feed near the bottom so it can eat calmly.
Will it hide all day and only come out at night?
Most keepers see the most activity in the evening, but many individuals learn a predictable routine and will cruise earlier when they associate you with feeding time.
What’s the easiest way to feed it without overfeeding the whole tank?
Target feed with tongs or a feeding stick and place the food on the sand in the same area each time so it can find it quickly and eat at its own pace.
Do they do better on sand, bare bottom, or “tile bottom” setups?
Many hobbyists prefer fine sand for natural resting and movement; if you run bare bottom, adding large smooth resting zones helps keep bottom contact comfortable.
Is it normal for a Port Jackson Shark to wedge itself tightly under rockwork?
Yes—snug, low shelters are a common resting choice. Build caves with stable, well-supported rock so the structure stays secure if the shark pushes in and out.
Do experienced keepers use shark vitamins or iodide in the food?
Some long-term keepers mix shark-focused vitamins and trace supplements into food rather than dosing the water, especially when feeding mostly frozen seafood.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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