Please Help Id These...

[AndrewZ]

Hello,

I just "inherited" an aquarium. I have some knowledge but can't identify 2 of the species. Can anyone help? Here are their pics:

Sorry the pic is blurry. This one is a bottom-dweller/burrower, about 5"

Here are several of another fish, about 4". He has one cloudy eye, I'm trying to figure out what do to about it (they were somewhat neglected and had a dirty tank before):

Thanks!

 

[Synirr]

Looks like a lutino dojo loach and an iridescent shark to me

 

[AndrewZ]

Thanks, that got me on track! Actually seems to be a gold loach. I thought maybe the other was an iridescent shark catfish, I was hoping not because they grow huge. But it definitely is. Guess I'll be getting a bigger aquarium!
-Andrew

 

[Suriliel]

Yea that's definitely an irridescent shark you've got there Although they do grow huge, I'm noticing they grow really slowly (I've got 2 of them) so no worries on getting a giant tank just yet, see how quick the little buggers grow. I can't wait until mine get bigger but they're taking their sweet time! My local pet store has 2 12 inch ones though, they're so cute!

 

[OohFeeshy]

The first one seems to be, as Synirr said, a lutino dojo loach, by golden loach do you mean chinese algae eater (colour morph of)? Doesn't look like that. Thats a great fish BTW, not very common from what I've seen, very cute. Although, a rather, random and uncompatable fish selection in there

 

[mark7616]

isnt that a goldfish in there?

 

[~T~]

Yeah that is defo the lutino/gold form of the weather/dojo loach.Is the tank heated?

 

[AndrewZ]

Thanks everyone, it's good to know my lutino/gold loaches are unusual!

The tank is heated, I'm keeping it around 75 f. I just looked up the rojo loaches and see recommended temp is 40-77, maybe I'll move them along with the goldfish to a cooler aquarium.

Yeah, I know I have an incompatible assortment, and the goldfish (feeder fish that survived) don't belong in a tropical aquarium! The prior owners weren't that knowledgeable. For now, everyone gets along, the main problem seems to be that the 9" plecos don't have much room or privacy.

 

[@ombomb]

40" and then some...

They really have no place in the home aquarium and you should rehome them asap.

 

[SamUK]

Thanks everyone, it's good to know my lutino/gold loaches are unusual!

The tank is heated, I'm keeping it around 75 f. I just looked up the rojo loaches and see recommended temp is 40-77, maybe I'll move them along with the goldfish to a cooler aquarium.

Yeah, I know I have an incompatible assortment, and the goldfish (feeder fish that survived) don't belong in a tropical aquarium! The prior owners weren't that knowledgeable. For now, everyone gets along, the main problem seems to be that the 9" plecos don't have much room or privacy.

its not that the goldfish wouldnt get on with the tropical fish.

the warmer water will shorten its life as they need cooler water.

 

[AndrewZ]

The shark is only 4" now, and I've been reading that they usually max out at 12-14" in aquariums. He seems comfortable for now, and is peaceful with the other fish. Is there really any reason to rehome him at this time, until his size becomes an issue? Maybe I'll be able to house him in a larger aquarium for as he gets bigger. And there's no guarantee his next home would be better.

 

[@ombomb]

I've been reading that they usually max out at 12-14" in aquariums.

If by "max out" you mean "die early due to living in a tank FAR too small for them" then that's pretty accurate.

 

[AndrewZ]

I meant stop/slow down growing, not die - I read a post from someone who says they've had one for 11 years and it's just a little over a foot, and I've heard similar things elsewhere about their growth being restricted in a captive environment. I still have time to research more and decide what to do for the long-term. I'm a little overwhelmed right now with the sudden adoption of all these fish, and having to figure out how to cure the shark and angel's ailments. In the meantime, as long as I have him, I'll ensure he has enough space, and he is already in a much better situation with me than his prior owners... I do appreciate your input and concern for his wellbeing.

 

[@ombomb]

They are very skittish and should be kept in groups as junveniles.

I would ignore any thoughts of the them growing to the size of the tank, the kindest thing you can do is rehome the fish.

 

[AndrewZ]

As I visit the local fish stores, I'll start asking about rehoming him.