Bala Shark (tri-colour Shark) Nipping Fins.

[Channti]

Okay. I'll keep the beginning basic:

15 Gallon Community Tank.

Current Inhabitants:
1 dalmation molly
1 sailfin molly
1 blind cave tetra
2 sword tails
3 guppies (+1 fry; separated in a breeding trap)
1 pleco (no idea of the exact type)
2 corys
1 (small) bala shark (tri colour shark)

The Bala shark (now referred to as Bruce <finding nemo reference>) has been in the tank for a couple weeks and showed no signs of aggression or fin nipping. He ignored the other fish in the tank. Two days ago I found a sword tail missing his "sword" (but he's still alive and appears to be doing okay) and noticed that one of my guppies is missing a small piece of it's tail. After observing the tank for a while, I noticed that Bruce was approaching fish as he does his flake-food (with his body perpendicular to bottom of the tank) and nipping at their fins. Everyone seems to be effectively avoiding him except for the swordtail who's "Sword" he nipped off (who I call Spider-Fish because he's red & black).

I have isolated Bruce in a spare breeding trap until I can find something to do with him as it is apparent that he will not be able to share my community tank anymore under it's current conditions. Is there anyway to get it to live peacefully with my fish? (diet change, change in layout of tank, etc.?)

Thanks!

 

[WILDER]

I would rehome him or take him back to the lfs.
The tanks to small for him, as they grown they need over 100 gallons tanks.
Plus they need to be kept in groups of 6 to be happy.
Also tetra shouldn't be kept in less than a group of 6.
Your tanks overstocked.
What are your water stats in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph.

 

[stang1]

Unfortunately not.
Bala Sharks can reach 12" and needs a lot bigger tank. I'm afraid 15 Gallons isn't suitable short term as they do like swimming space and are better in groups.
It is also worth keeping an eye on your Blind Cave Tetra as they are also fin nippers. Having no eyes, they rely on a "nip" to discover what's around them.

 

[helterskelter]

Bala can easily got to 8" plus and you tank is far to small. please try to rehome him to something better, their also a socerial fish and like to be in groups

 

[Channti]

I realize the tank is too small right now. We're relocating the tank to a much larger tank in a few months. I'm going to call the LFS tomorrow morning and see if they'll take him back. If not, I'll re-home him with someone else in the area. He's quite small right now, so he was going to be fine in the tank for now, but if he'll eat half my tank before we move to a bigger tank, it's really not worth it.

Thankyou.