Year old Iridescent Shark

[Jsunn]

Hello All,

We've had an iridescent shark and recently moved him to a 29 gal tank. The water tested good in pH and ammonia before we moved him.

We are afraid that he is sick, he has a small scratch on his back, probably from when get got startled and darted across the tank, although it looked like he was scratching himself against some of the tank decorations. We got some meds so thinking it might be a parasite.

He sits under a plant all day and doesn't swim around or seem to eat much. Is this normal behavior? He used to be a lot more active.

Thanks for your time.
J

 

[Lotus]

Have you tested the water since you put him in there?

 

[ecotank]

What size tank was it in before? A 29g is far too small for an ID shark and at a year old it should be far too big for a 29g. If it was in a smaller tank it may have some issues from having its growth stunted. A ID shark will get about 2 feet long, and are only recommended for very large tanks.

 

[fishguy07]

My Iridecant shark is always cuttin himself up cuz he goes crazy whenever there is a disterbance in the tank. Him sitting under a leaf is definatly NOT normal behavior because mine is always swimming and never stops. How large is his cut maybe he's slowed down cuz of his injury. Watch him closly to make sure he doesnt develope any diseases

 

[Jsunn]

Thank you all for your replies. Yes we were yet another couple fish owners that were duped by the lfs and purchased a ID shark. He is about 4 inches long now. We have noticed that he is much more active at night with the tank light off.

The scratch on him is not very big or deep, it appears to just be a wound to the scales and not a cut.

What kind of food would you all recommend?

Thanks,
J

 

[Tanganyikaman18]

if u want him to get his food at night, mine was always crazy about shrimp pellets, i dropped them in at night and he would hunt them down by driving his head into the sand to dig them out, it was funny to watch and it didnt hurt him although im sure he got sum up the nose. He also ate just regular flakes.