Iridescent Shark Swimming Pattern?

[DMBeer41]

I recently upgraded to a 75 gallon tank and purchased 3 young iridescent sharks. Two are maybe 2.5-3 inches and one of them is about 1.5 inches. I've read all the warnings about these fish and how they grow quickly and can hurt others in the tank with their quick swimming, but they were so beautiful I had to get them. I will bring them back to the store once they outgrow my tank.

My question is this. They tend to swim from the middle to the top of the tank, and typically occupy one corner. they seem to like to swim with their nose against the glass, as if they're trying to push it out of their way. They do this for 30 seconds at a time then turn around, turn back again and start over. It's funny to watch, but a bit concerning that they do this all day. The smaller one swims around the tank near the bottom and seems normal. they all eat, and don't show any signs of diseases.

Does anyone know why the two larger sharks swim against the glass, or do I just have crazy fish? (they are not slamming themselves against it, so I don't think they're hurting themselves.) I have a few fixtures in the tank and a bunch of plants, which may be the reason they stay mid-top level. I have a dual bulb light with two 32w bulbs. the light is on for about 8-9 hrs a day.

Thanks for the help!
(if this is in the wrong forum, please direct me where to go, i'm new here).

James

 

[kevinthecow]

WELCOME TO TFF! Wrong forum? Where else is there to go?

Anyways, is there any signs on stress? Like, bullying or anything like that?

 

[paul_219]

Well return the sharks to the LFS because they need a very big tank and they can grow up to 3ft, they will over grow in your tank.

 

[DMBeer41]

WELCOME TO TFF! Wrong forum? Where else is there to go?

Anyways, is there any signs on stress? Like, bullying or anything like that?

No real signs of stress that I can see. They seem to move a little slower when I turn the lights off and just use the house lights, but still do the same thing...I guess just not as feverishly. They look really healthy.

What I meant by wrong forum was if there was a specific section for questions like these, rather than just the general discussion area. Some people are picky like that.

 

[OscarWilde]

Well return the sharks to the LFS because they need a very big tank and they can grow up to 3ft, they will over grow in your tank.

Way to greet a new member....

How do you know that he's not aware of this and planning for it? Get the facts before you jump down people throats. A little tact doesnt hurt sometimes.

 

[kevinthecow]

Not really that picky. Sure you'll prolly get more in the tropical discussion area. But, if you really want very, very very specific info on it, sometimes there are people that focus and love that type, and know a lot.

Like shrimper! He hangs in the invertebrate section a lot.

Don't they get like more then three feet long? I'm just wondering, but how are you going to take care of them?

 

[OscarWilde]

Don't they get like more then three feet long? I'm just wondering, but how are you going to take care of them?

Thats the way to do it

 

[kevinthecow]

Don't they get like more then three feet long? I'm just wondering, but how are you going to take care of them?

Thats the way to do it

I know, right?

 

[DMBeer41]

Don't they get like more then three feet long? I'm just wondering, but how are you going to take care of them?

Thats the way to do it

I know, right?

I did my research on them before buying but they were so beautiful I had to get them. I spoke with the LFS i bought them from about their size. He said in capacity, they grow slower (depending on the size of the tank), which i also read on some sites. He also said that he has several customers with large tanks that could house a larger version, so when they outgrow my tank I can return them to the store (provided they are healthy), and get the appropriate credit for new fish. Right now they're still small, one only an inch or so long, so i've got some time with them.

At the same time, they're a little annoying right now 'cause they do nothing but swim against the side of the tank. Not much fun to watch (except when the angel fish comes by and interupts their swimming. I think he's messin' with them). If the behavior doesn't change I may change them for fish that actually use the whole tank. I mean, i did get the tank for more space, I'd hope the fish I got would use it!

Anyways. if anyone has an idea what might be causing this behavior, and maybe what to do to stop it, it would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[kevinthecow]

So.. They're just swimming at the sides of the tank?

Gravel? Sand? Grinded gravel, pea gravel, or large gravel?

 

[DMBeer41]

So.. They're just swimming at the sides of the tank?

Gravel? Sand? Grinded gravel, pea gravel, or large gravel?

Yes. Not slaming themselves, but just putting their face against the side of the tank and swimming like a person might do for exercise against a pool wall. I watched them a while this morning to see if i could see any signs of sickness or maybe stress...but I see nothing unusual except for this swimming against the wall.

I have natural gravel in the bottom, about the size of peas. I've got 3 decorations in the tank (vines and tree stump) for the loaches to hide. I've got about 13 plants in the tank, varying size. There's room for the sharks to swim. This pattern also occurred before I added all of the plants in, so i'm not sure they are the issue.

The smalles shark (an inch to 1.5") swimgs around and explores not going crazy, but always scurries back to the school swimming against the wall. He seems to be the most normal. The other two are the nutty ones.

 

[webfoot]

Was happy to Google and find the original post here though I'm afraid I can only add to the question.

I too have an Iridescent Shark and unfortunately wasn't informed by the pet store when I bought him. We've had this one in a 30 gallon tank with peaceful community fish for about 3 months. He has nearly doubled in size from about 1.5 to now around 3 inches in that time.

We have named him Phycho Shark because of similar behavior. When the tank lights are on, he will hide in his "log" and seemingly swim in place all day long. At night when the tank is only lit with the blue LEDs, he will come out, stay about 2/3 up the tank and rapidly swim against the glass. I've read about these guys and redesigned the tank where there is a free swimming area about 40 inches across the front but he won't use it. He stays in about a 6" wide space and just goes back and forth for hours. It really disconcerting to watch as at night, the other fish seem to be trying to chill out and I swear sometimes that they must really be wondering WTH is going on with him.

This behavior has been consistent from day one. He also goes "ape sh.." whenever the light is turned on or the lid is opened and will then go into a corner and play dead for quite awhile.

Do all of these fish exhibit this behavior pattern or are they kind of like certain dog breeds where a certain percentage are just plain nuts?

 

[dcarmor927]

To both Webfoot and DMBeer41

If you posted your water stats (pH, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, temp) as well as what the current stocking was it may help determine what is wrong...i personally have no idea as i have never kept these fish, but the problem could be as simple as bad water quality...

Welcome to TFF btw!

 

[DMBeer41]

To both Webfoot and DMBeer41

If you posted your water stats (pH, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, temp) as well as what the current stocking was it may help determine what is wrong...i personally have no idea as i have never kept these fish, but the problem could be as simple as bad water quality...

Welcome to TFF btw!

Mine have calmed down a bit now, I think it might have been poor water quality. They still swim against the wall sometimes, but i've added some aeration to the tank and they seem to enjoy that.

PH - 7.4-7.6
Nitrite - 0
Ammonia - 0
Nitrate - 10

Current tankmates are 2 angels (2-2.5 inches), and three clown loaches (about 1" a piece). I'm planning on adding at least 3 more clowns, a raphael catish, small school of guarami's and maybe som congo tetras over the period of the next few months.