Red Tailed Black Shark With White Marks On Tip Of Fins.

[Whitester]

I am very new to fish keeping. Have only had fish for 2 months now.

I have a Red Tailed Black Shark. I just noticed yesterday that my RTBS has white on the very tips of his dorsal fin and both pelvic fins. The white on the tips of the fins are about 1mm in depth but extend the entire tip of the fin. There are not white spots or marks anyplace else on the fish. I am not saying the white marks on his fins haven't been there since I purchased him. But I just noticed the white marks on his fins yesterday.

Is this cause for concern? Is this some sort of illness? I am just checking because I have no clue.

Thanks!

 

[Whitester]

I will add this....

The RTBS seems very happy. He is always swimming, searching for food. He chases other fish from time to time. He eats everytime I feed. I feed flakes, and frozen blood worms.
I am hoping that nothing is wrong. But like I said, I am new to fishes so I was unsure if the white is normal or not.

 

[Davo86]

You mean like this?

If so its normal, some RTB sharks just have white tips

 

[Whitester]

You mean like this?

If so its normal, some RTB sharks just have white tips

YES!!! Exactly like that! Thanks alot! I was alittle worried something was wrong with him. Again thanks.

 

[raptorrex]

You mean like this?

If so its normal, some RTB sharks just have white tips

indeed. i have heard it said, that it is a sign of the fish being "full" grown. not sure on that though.

 

[england]

well my redtail is full grown and does not have a white tip, i agree mind some do.....Usually when redtails mature they get a slight green tinge to there black coat

My full grown redtailed black shark, as you can see the green tinge and no white spot

 

[raptorrex]

well my redtail is full grown and does not have a white tip, i agree mind some do.....Usually when redtails mature they get a slight green tinge to there black coat

My full grown redtailed black shark, as you can see the green tinge and no white spot

yep, it seems the advice (many years ago, from a member here), was not correct. or, more likely, partially incorrect. still you ask and learn. thats the main reason i visit this site.

however, my RTBS is 4, fully grown (5 inches), and still black. mind you, he also, has no white tips.

 

[Davo86]

indeed. i have heard it said, that it is a sign of the fish being "full" grown. not sure on that though.

From what i've seen at work it could be the exact opposite, a lot of very small RTBs that come in from suppliers have these white tips, but tbh I can't recall seeing any adults with these white markings?

 

[raptorrex]

indeed. i have heard it said, that it is a sign of the fish being "full" grown. not sure on that though.

From what i've seen at work it could be the exact opposite, a lot of very small RTBs that come in from suppliers have these white tips, but tbh I can't recall seeing any adults with these white markings?

Ahh, there you go! that's the second time someone has mentioned that it is a sign of immaturity. (though not in this thread). I don't recall seeing any "tips" when i got mine @ 3/4 on an inch though.

lol, it also turns out i have a female, hence the grey belly! could that be why it seems so "friendly" in comparison to others?

 

[Kgforlife]

When they are juvenile they have the tips and lose them as adults