Columbian Shark Hiding

[joselito.rd]

A month ago I put two columbian sharks in my tank, they have been well all this time, but since yesterday one of them is hiding, just go out to eat, but not swimming around the tank as before, should I worry about that?
Thanks

 

[fluttermoth]

Hi there.

Can I ask you some more questions? The answers will help us help you and your fish

How big is the tank and how long has it been set up? Have you tested the water for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate (and if so, can you post the actual numbers)?

Are there any other fish in the tank and, if so, what species and in what numbers? Is your water hard or soft? Have you changed anything in the tank at all (moved decor, added any new fish)? How big are the sharks?

 

[Lillefishy]

As above, plus if this is a Colombian shark catfish they are brackish/ full marine as adult fish & grow extremely large

 

[joselito.rd]

The tank is 55 gallons, was set-up for a month before putting any fish in it, levels of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate were fine the last time I checked, I do not remember the exact numbers.
I also have 2 Angel Fish, and 4 African cichlids.
My water is hard (I believe) and nothing has been changed.

 

[fluttermoth]

Do you know what species the African cichlids are? Many of them are very aggressive and could be picking on the shark (which are quite shy).
 
Bullying in fish can start at any time, even if the fish have been living together previously with no issues, or the sharks might be getting of an age where they need more brackish water. Longer term, your tank isn't going to be big enough for them and your other fish won't survive the brackish, and later marine conditions, that the sharks need
 
How big are the sharks now?

 

[joselito.rd]

I'm not sure of the species of cichlids, but they are two yellow and two colored as giraffe, sharks are as 3 to 4 inches long

 

[fluttermoth]

Can you get some pics of the cichlids? Then we can ID them.
 
I would guess, in the absence of any other evidence, that bullying by the cichlids is the problem.
 
As the sharks are going to out grow the tank, and will need brackish/marine conditions sooner or later, I would suggest you separate them, if possible.