Iridescent shark problem.

[GTP2002]

Hello, I bought an iridescent shark a little while ago. When I put him in the tank he just kind of went to the bottom. I thought it was probably just stress from the move and maybe getting aquainted to his new enviroment. However, here it is almost a week later and he is still doing it.

Anything I can do?

Also, what is the best recommended food for this guy? I have been feeding him Tropical flake food and granules. Ghost shrimp maybe?

 

[MegTheFish]

Sorry that I can't answer your question, but I have a question for you.

How big is the tank he is in? Did you know that in a proper sized enviroment, they can reach 3-4 feet? Its pretty amazing, the fact that they would even sell these in stores. They do best in ponds, enless you can get a 500+ gallon tank (which aren't too common!) so you might want to think about returning him back to the petstore, or maybe even make plans for constructing a pond for him! (he'd be very grateful )
I'm not too sure how fast they grow, so you might be able to keep him for a little bit.
Here are some pictures of the beasts!:

 

[GTP2002]

Will the pet store take it back? What should I tell them?

 

[Discomafia]

Tell them that they get up to 3-4 feet, and require massive tanks which you don't seem to have... And yea, sure they'll take em' back... Which lfs would refuse free fish. If you got it there less than 10 days or whatever the policy is there, you may be able to get a full refund, or maybe half...

 

[StingrayKid]

Yeah, some stores dont atke too kindly to that kind of stuff. I brought some Silver Dollars back to a store because the kept eating my plants (silly herbavores). The owner kind of rolled his eyes and put them back in the tank. I didnt get my money back either.... But, im sure that your store will take him back.

 

[Mr Miagi]

I wonder why he rolled his eyes....

You go in and buy a herbivourous fish, then take it back cause its eatin your plants.

 

[StingrayKid]

Maybe I should have told the story.....

I went into the LFS a while back (had no knowledge about silver dollars) and asked about them. They told me they would be fine in the tank I discripted, and yes I did mention the plants. I come to find out they were munchin them and so I brought them back. So....

 

[Raechal]

Maybe I should have told the story.....

I went into the LFS a while back (had no knowledge about silver dollars) and asked about them. They told me they would be fine in the tank I discripted, and yes I did mention the plants. I come to find out they were munchin them and so I brought them back. So....

Yea and my LFS told my boyfriend 2 columbian shark catfish would be okay in my 120 gallon with neon tetras and 1 inch molly fry. I would just take them back and tell them they didn't inform you about the fish and say he ate one of your fish or something. Ask if you can trade for something else that suits your tank better.

 

[GTP2002]

Cool, thanks for all your help.

Maybe, I will pick up some more Rasboras, or some neon tetras.

 

[big mick]

Without actually seeing your fish its hard to say but they are nocturnal so you'll find during the day he will just seem to hover around in one spot, usually in plants are any other hiding place, try putting wafers in on a night time when you switch the main light off, I put a small lamp at the side of mine to watch him zip about, they are generally good eaters and are a pleasure to watch swin around.

The other thing to remember is if they get 'spooked' they will dart around like maniacs and then just flop like they have knocked themselves out (this due to the fact that they are very shy fish and often have very poor eye sight so the get a fright easily) but after a wee while they should be back up and swimming about again.

hope this helps.

 

[GTP2002]

They would not let me return him. However, I will provide for him the best I can.

 

[steelhealr]

Hi..the iridescents look great in the tank at the lfs, but, they are in the catfish family and are generally nocturnal. They sleep during the day and have membranes that make their eyes looked closed. Agree with all above..they can grow huge and they will overload your tank over time. SH

 

[GTP2002]

Hi..the iridescents look great in the tank at the lfs, but, they are in the catfish family and are generally nocturnal. They sleep during the day and have membranes that make their eyes looked closed. Agree with all above..they can grow huge and they will overload your tank over time. SH

How long do I have, he is in a 10 gallon right now, I am probably getting a 55 gal. soon. I know people who would take him, but they don't have any bigger tank than me, and I will NOT give him to anyone who I don't think can provide for him.

 

[steelhealr]

Hi..tough to say. They aren't going to hit a foot in one year, but, I wouldn't be surprised if they go from 2 1/2 inches from the lfs to 5-6 inches in 6 months or so. I think it is really sad that the lfs' sell these things by the tankful. They look great small....are excellent swimmers when packed in there.....and then grow immense, become nocturnal and overload the tank. They really shouldn't sell them unless they put a description of that outside the tank. SH

 

[GTP2002]

Hi..tough to say. They aren't going to hit a foot in one year, but, I wouldn't be surprised if they go from 2 1/2 inches from the lfs to 5-6 inches in 6 months or so. I think it is really sad that the lfs' sell these things by the tankful. They look great small....are excellent swimmers when packed in there.....and then grow immense, become nocturnal and overload the tank. They really shouldn't sell them unless they put a description of that outside the tank. SH

Uh oh, mine is already about 6 inches.

I could be in some trouble.