Electronicyouth

Hey guys,
I just recently purchased 2 small bala sharks from the pet store and brought them home. A few days ago, i noticed than one shark's dorsal fin was turning a reddish color, and the shark was keeping it down, holding it in close to it's body. I now noticed that this seems to be happening to the other fins on the shark too. My 2nd shark is not having this problem.
Thanks
Electronicyouth

Tony G.

Hi electricyouth and welcome to FL if you haven't been welcomed allready.
What sized tank are the bala's shark in? they need at least 90 gallons to thrive..
Also, is there anyway you could post a pic of his fin?

Lucy

Welcome to Fish Lore
Along with Tony's question, do you know your readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates?
Is your tank cycled?

It would be helpful if you could fill in your aquarium info found at the top left under My Settings.
This way the members can help without having to ask a bunch of questions.
Thanks!

gmen4life

welcome to fl balas need like 100 galons to live good

mathas

When you say the fin is turning red, do you mean an all-over color change, or do you see red streaks through the fin?

Electronicyouth

there were red streaks in the fin. actually i think i found the problem. another fish in the tank had become very aggressive towards the shark, and had beat up it's ( the sharks) fins.

Shawnie

I hope things get better for the gentle giant ! !love the balas...red streaks in the fins are usually a sign of ammonia poisioning...do you know your tank readings for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates? the red streaks are sometimes bursted blood vessels from the ammonia and show up on allot of their fins and near the gill area...