Rtbs Gone Pale And Sitting On Plant

[vajazzled]

I have a 32L tank. I have mainly male guppies. My original fish included a rtbs Sunday I added 5 male guppies. Today I found an original guppy dead floating. Was ok this morning. Rtbs is now sitting on plant near top of tank, (usyally he hides in pot or squeezes behind heater and sits.) His tail was quite red but today is pale.he does go for a swim but then back to sit on plant. I have 19 fish and not adding anymore. Is he sick? Any suggestions?

 

[dbanner]

If you are talking about a red tailed black shark then this size tank is waaaaay too small. I had one with a few other fish in a 130 litre tank and it was pesterin all my other fish and causing problems so i took it back to my lfs. I think they require around 250 litres+ for a single red tailed shark...

 

[colleen0309]

They can get alittle nasty! Welcome to the forum!

 

[XeroTolerance]

to the forums.

 

[catfish4ever]

firstly your tank is overstocked which stresses fish! Secondly mine went pale alot aswell try a water change and varying his diet with live food such as bloodworm or daphnia. This helps colouration and to bring the best out of him. check your ammonia e.t.c. Good luck!

 

[crago1990]

i have a rtbs and mine Also goes pale and loses his colour in his tail. did u notice when u woke up and turned ur lights on? because mine does it every night but when i wake up turn my lights on but he soon goes back to a deep black and a bright red tail. and you def need to change the stocking in your tank. i have mine in a 95l and i fink thats too small for him but hes with two small turtles and they get along brilliantly but cant see him getting on with all those guppys! if you have a big enough tank then a rtbs is a great fish to have its got the best personality out of all the fish ive had!

 

[Hermithall]

I have a 3 year old rtbs in a 180L tank who will only tolerate small catfish as companions - some corys and 2 bristlenosers. He is a very abrasive fish, I gotta say.
My rtbs has also lost colour before in the past, seemingly at times of stress - i.e when I have relocated him and he's had some readjusting to do. He soon recovered though with care to water quality - 20% weekly water changes keep him and his mates pepped. Maybe do a 50% or larger water change, then keep up a strict weekly 20% water change regime (especially if you are a bit overstocked) and hopefully he'll colour up again soon. I hope your rtbs has a better temperament than mine. My fish was a little treasure until he maxed out at 5 inches and became a total psychopath, grrrr.

 

[SchottayB]

The RTBS is no good in that tank. Needs rehoming (if doesn't die). You sound v.overstocked. You need to test the water and see what that is like also.