Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci) – LiveAquaria EXPERT ONLY
The Horn Shark, Heterodontus francisci, is a shark with pointy teeth at the front of their jaws that they use for clutching prey, and rounded molar-like teeth in back for grinding hard-shelled invertebrates (crustaceans, sea urchins, small fishes, mollusks). The horn in their name refers to the spines in front of each dorsal fin. Their bodies are tan with black spots, and they have a yellowish underbelly.
In nature, Horn Sharks hide during the day in crevices or rocks that are similar in color to them, and hunt at night. They can be found on the sea floor and use their strong pectoral fins to crawl along rocks. They can grow to 4 feet long, with females slightly shorter.
Requires a minimum tank size of 500 gallons. Suitable for experienced aquarists only.
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heterodontus francisci |
| Size (adult) | Up to 4 feet |
| Coloration | Tan body with black spots, yellowish underbelly |
| Feeding | Carnivorous; hard-shelled invertebrates, small fish, crustaceans |
| Behavior | Aggressive, nocturnal, hides during day |
FAQ
What is the minimum tank size required for a Horn Shark?
A minimum tank size of 500 gallons is required.
What do Horn Sharks eat?
Horn Sharks are carnivorous and eat hard-shelled invertebrates such as crustaceans, sea urchins, small fish, and mollusks.
Are Horn Sharks suitable for beginners?
No, Horn Sharks are aggressive and require advanced care, making them suitable only for experienced aquarists.
Brandon Russell –
This Horn Shark has been in our 700-gallon tank for six months. It’s active at night and shows no signs of aggression when properly housed. The hiding spots and rock structure match its natural behavior well. Feeding is straightforward with a varied diet of crustaceans and mollusks.
Alison Howard –
We bought this shark after extensive research. It’s a striking animal with unique features. We’ve had to adjust lighting and water flow to match its nocturnal habits. The tank setup took time, but it’s now a centerpiece of our reef system.
Harry Nolan –
The shark has adapted well to our tank. We provide a mix of hard-shelled prey and monitor water parameters closely. It uses its pectoral fins to move along the rocks, which is fascinating to watch. Highly recommend for experienced aquarists.