ID Shark info

[colin_finlay]

Hello, I was wondering if there were any good websites for finding some info on ID sharks. My searches havent resulted in any good info...


thanks
colin

 

[CFC]

Try searching under Pangasius hypophthalmus which is the fishes scientific name.

To cut to the quick these are fast growing very large catfish that require nothing less than a 180 gallon tank, they can grow to over a meter in length and are very nervous throwing themselves around the tank at great speed at the slightest noise or fast movement. All in all this fish should never be offered for sale as it is a totally unsuitable aquarium fish.

 

[Teelie]

In other words it's like putting a goldfish in a bowl, only on a larger scale. It should never be done.

 

[colin_finlay]

I have a 3 foot long tank and my friends both have around the same size and their shark has been fine for years and it quite big yes.

the fish store asked what size my tank was and they said it would be fine


im not the criminal here, just asking for some info....

 

[Teelie]

I have a 3 foot long tank and my friends both have around the same size and their shark has been fine for years and it quite big yes.

the fish store asked what size my tank was and they said it would be fine


im not the criminal here, just asking for some info....

No one's calling you a criminal, just telling you the facts, and the fact is that fish in your friends tank is probably stunted as it normally would grow the length of the tank it is in as will any other shark of that size. It might live for a few years but that will be all. It won't live to the full capacity of it's life under stunted conditions.

Also, fish store employees aren't always the most knowledgable on keeping fish. If not for the sheer number of species in existance, then by the fact they're often low wage jobs with uneducated (about fish) employees. Most have at least one person with a good knowledge base and that's usually the manager or someone higher up the employee chain.

There is a wealth of knowledge on the fish, it's capitivity needs and all that other good stuff if you don't believe what's been said here.

 

[FishDan]

i agree. No one is calling you a criminal, but these fish really are not suitable for the home aquarium. Before I knew better, I bought one. Fortunately I had a friend with a pond suitable for the fish. A three foot tank is not nearly large enough if you truely care for your fish. In the wild, these fish can reach 52" (that's over 4 feet). Obviously a 4' fish will not fit in a 3' tank. Personally, I think the fish will be fine in your tank as a juvenile, but if you plan to keep it you really need to make arrangements for it's proper care. Either start thinking about a huge pond of your own, or finding someone with a huge pond that can take it for you.

Also, the argument you make about your friends doing it is irresponsible. Just because someone else does something, doesn't make it okay or right.

Do the fish a favor, care for it properly. Give it a good home in your tank now while it's young. Move it to a proper home as it grows.

\Dan