Iridescent Sharks

[timpvjr]

Hi, I have a 55g with Iri. sharks. I also have a red-tailed shark, some clown loaches, a pleco, and a couple angle fish. My Iridescents or about 4 inches long. Today I noticed that both their bellies were huge. I never noticed that before. Then I noticed that my bumble bee goby and both my dwarf frogs were missing! Did my sharks eat their tank mates? Could there bloatedness mean they are sick? I feed them flake food and shrimp pellets. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[ryan]

http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?sh...showtopic=11418 - take a look at this, you do know how big they get right?

 

[ayla]

Wow, timpvjr you tank sounds strikingly similar to mine, in fact almost identical minus the angels. I particularly love the shark species with aquarium fish, however I must agree with Ryan in pointing out that irridescent sharks are indeed not intended for the even the larger home aquarium. As juveniles they're no so bad within a 55 gal. Though I can't say that I'm not making the right decision with them in there either. (Actually the tank I plan to purchase is a wallet buster...200 gallon or I could go the cheaper route and actually get them a kiddie pool, you know the type that kids can play in.)
K, back to your dilemma though (sorry, got side-tracked)...as for their bellies being huge...usually means they ate a fair amount, that's a given. I've noticed that whenever feeding time is around and they start eating (diet of frozen blood worms, flakes, algea disks) , they're bellies portrude a little. Though I've never noticed them eating live foods...I've read that when they are juveniles are more carnivorous then adults so I wouldn't put it past them. As far as them being sick...irridescent sharks are somewhat prone to sickness so I'd keep an eye on them. I'm not an expert though so most of what I've said is based on personal experience only!. Sorry I can't be of much help. I tried. Good luck with your fish though.