Horn Shark for Sale (Heterodontus francisci) – Exotic Aquatic Pets Store
If you’re looking for an unusual and fascinating addition to your marine aquarium, our horn shark for sale at Exotic Aquatic Pets Store is an exceptional choice. Known by its scientific name, Heterodontus francisci, the horn shark is a small but intriguing species native to the rocky reefs along the coast of California and Mexico.
These sharks stand out thanks to their unique horn-like spines on their dorsal fins, giving them an unmistakable look that will definitely be a conversation starter in your tank. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist ready to buy horn shark or hunting for the best horn shark deals—including cheap horn shark offers and even coupon horn shark promotions—you’ve come to the right place for all the info you need on caring for this captivating creature.
What Makes Our Horn Shark for Sale So Unique?
This horn shark for sale (Heterodontus francisci) is a small species of bullhead shark found along the western coast of North America, from California down to the Gulf of California. What’s interesting is that the young and adult horn sharks tend to live in different areas: juveniles prefer the deeper sandy flats, while adults hang out in shallower rocky reefs or areas with algae.
They generally grow to about 1 meter (3.3 feet) long and are easy to spot thanks to their short, blunt heads with ridges above their eyes, two tall dorsal fins each equipped with a noticeable spine, and their brownish-gray bodies covered with lots of small dark spots.
Horn sharks are slow movers and mostly keep to themselves. They’re nocturnal hunters, staying within a small home range and retreating to their favorite hiding spots during the day. Their activity depends heavily on light levels in their environment.
Adult horn sharks mainly feed on hard-shelled creatures like mollusks, sea urchins, and crabs, crushing them with their strong jaws and molar-like teeth. They’ll also eat a range of other invertebrates and small fish when the opportunity arises. Young horn sharks tend to stick to softer prey such as worms and sea anemones. When hunting, they use suction to pull prey from the sea floor and sometimes use body movements to pry them loose.
When it comes to reproduction, horn sharks lay eggs. From February to April, females can lay up to 24 tough, auger-shaped eggs. After laying the eggs, the female carefully wedges them into rock crevices to keep them safe from predators.
Horn sharks aren’t dangerous to people unless threatened, and they tend to do well in captivity. They’re not targeted by fishing industries, though they can occasionally be caught as bycatch. In Mexico, they’re sometimes used for food and fishmeal, and in California, their spines are even made into jewelry.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently doesn’t have enough information to determine the exact conservation status of the horn shark, but it seems they face little threat, especially along the U.S. coast.

Your Complete Care Guide for a Happy Horn Shark
Setting Up the Perfect Home: Tank & Habitat
Creating the right environment is key for any marine pet, and horn sharks are no exception. Because of their size and behavior, you’ll want to provide a tank that’s spacious—ideally somewhere between 300 and 400 gallons. Horizontal swimming space is more important than height, as these sharks like to roam along the bottom and hide in crevices.
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Substrate: Go with fine sand or crushed coral at least 2 inches deep to protect their sensitive undersides.
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Decor: Load up on rocks, caves, and crevices. Horn sharks love having plenty of hideouts where they can rest during the day.
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Lighting: Keep it low or moderate to mimic their natural, twilight-like environment—too bright can stress them out.
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Water Flow: Gentle currents that don’t stir up the substrate too much work best.
| Feature | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 300-400 gallons (wide and long) |
| Substrate | Fine sand or crushed coral, 2” deep |
| Decorations | Lots of rocks, caves, hiding places |
| Lighting | Low to moderate, simulate dusk/dawn |
| Water Flow | Gentle, moderate current |
Ideal Water Conditions
Keeping water parameters steady and within the right range is crucial for your horn shark’s health.
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 65°F – 75°F (18°C – 24°C) |
| Salinity | 1.020 – 1.025 Specific Gravity |
| pH | 8.1 – 8.4 |
| Ammonia | 0 ppm |
| Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | Below 20 ppm |
| Dissolved Oxygen | High, fully saturated |
Filtration & Water Quality: Cleanliness is King
Horn sharks need crystal clear, toxin-free water due to their sensitivity and carnivorous diet. Here’s how to keep your tank pristine:
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Mechanical filtration removes debris and leftover food.
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Biological filtration utilizes beneficial bacteria on live rock and bio-media to break down waste.
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Chemical filtration (like activated carbon) gets rid of toxins and odors.
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Protein skimmers are excellent in marine tanks, especially with carnivorous fish.
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Do 10-20% water changes weekly to maintain quality.
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Aerate with moderate water flow to ensure plenty of oxygen without stressing your shark.
Feeding & Nutrition: What to Feed Your Horn Shark
Horn sharks have a carnivorous diet that’s fascinating to replicate in captivity.
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Feed fresh or frozen seafood like shrimp, squid, crab, mollusks, and small fish.
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Young sharks need daily or every-other-day feeding, while adults thrive on feeding every 2-3 days.
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Feeding at dusk or after lights out helps simulate their natural hunting routine.
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Use feeding sticks when possible to keep your fingers safe—they do have a powerful bite!
Tankmates & Compatibility
Horn sharks are generally peaceful but can be somewhat territorial, so picking the right tankmates is important.
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Best companions include similarly sized, peaceful fish like tangs, angelfish, and docile groupers.
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Avoid small fish that can be seen as prey, like gobies or damsels, as well as shrimp and crabs.
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Larger tanks of 300 gallons or more can comfortably house multiple horn sharks, provided there is enough space and hiding spots.
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Keep your tank covered—horn sharks are curious and occasionally try to jump.
Horn Shark Reproduction & Horn Shark Eggs
Horn sharks are egg layers (oviparous), and their reproductive process is quite fascinating. Females lay uniquely shaped eggs that attach to rocks or other stable surfaces. The horn shark egg incubates for 6 to 8 months before hatching, producing small, fully formed sharks ready to explore.
| Reproductive Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Oviparous (egg layers) |
| Egg Description | Tough, leathery capsules with anchors |
| Incubation | 6-8 months |
| Hatchling Size | Roughly 4–5 inches (10-12 cm) |

Horn Shark Reviews & Why Buy From Us?
At Exotic Aquatic Pets Store, we offer horned shark for sale that are ethically sourced, quarantined, and shipped with care to ensure your new pet arrives healthy and ready for their new home. If you’re looking for the best horn shark or want to buy horn shark with confidence—including options for cheap horn shark prices and coupon horn shark savings—we’re your go-to supplier with expert advice and ongoing support.
With their fascinating horn shark adaptations, unique appearance, and manageable horn shark size, these horned sharks for sale make an unforgettable centerpiece for any experienced aquarist’s marine tank.
Start your underwater journey today by choosing a horn shark for sale from Exotic Aquatic Pets Store—where passion meets expertise in exotic aquatic life.













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