fishlover78

Hi everyone, my uncle is looking to get rid of his giant iridescent shark, currently he has it in a 55 gallon tank, and the poor fish is now about 2 feet long, he can't turn in the tank anymore and is very shy. What do you think we should do with him, I really need some advice here because he no longer wants it because it outgrows every tank he buys for it! Do you think that my Local Pet shop will take this thing to sell? and If I do get rid of it for him he doesn't want the tank anymore! Hmmm, if I can get rid of this thing I am gonna get a really good price on a 55 gallon tank! hehehehehehe! please respond, you input would be greatly appreciated! -fishlover78

mathas

It wouldn't hurt to call the local stores and see if they'd take it, but I don't think any of the ones around here would.

You could also try to contact Monster Fish Rescue. If you don't live near enough to them for them to take the fish, they might have ideas on how to find a new home, or know of similar organizations in whatever area you live in.

Another option might be to contact any local public zoos or aquariums and see if they want it, or maybe a craigslist-style site might turn up a new home for it

fishlover78

well, thanks mathas I am gonna try the fish store and aquarium options. I really what to get him a better home

fishlover78

what size tank does he belong in anyway?

mathas

I don't know that there is a guideline, but whatever the answer is, it's not a tank that would fit in most homes.

As seen in some of the pictures here, we're talking about a fish that can reach four feet in length. Not only that, but they do best in groups, so you'd ideally want a tank that could support several active, 48" fish. A very large pond might work if you live in a warm enough area that it wouldn't freeze during the winter, but I can't see any other way to realistically keep them long-term.

fishlover78

I just don't get why pet stores sell fish to beginners who no nothing about them! and especially the fact that they are not suitable for the home aquarium, and it burns my but that there are plenty other varieties of fish too choose form out there. sigh, I will never understand this subject.

Shawnie

where does your uncle live fishlover?

fishlover78

here in Jersey, why Shawnie?

fishlover78

do you want this thing!

Shawnie

hahaha heck no im getting ready to rehome my oscars but the aqurium in boston im sure will take him...want the info?

fishlover78

I think I have found a solution! there is an aquarium that I am going to contact that has room for him! thanks tho Shawnie!

Shawnie

fishlover78

oh, and what are you putting your oscars in? (lol, I'm hi jackin' my own thread!)

fishlover78

do you mean rehome them as in give them up?

Shawnie

if I get my courage up and selfishness down, they will be going to a 150 gal tank ...long story short version I almost lost them with an ice storm power out for 3 days episode...

fishlover78

sorry to hear that

Shawnie

thats ok..ill grow up someday I guess

fishlover78

maybe, just kiddin around with ya'

Shawnie

I know

fishlover78

well shawnie and Mathas, I stopped in at the local pet shop today and they said they would take it!! Not sure when I will get this massive 20+ inch fish to them but I will! any ideas on how to even catch it and transport it?

mathas

Moving large fish is often done with some type of large plastic container, like a Rubbermaid storage bin or a cooler. Here are a couple of quotes from Monsterfishkeepers.com:

As far as catching the fish, read this thread for some ideas.

fishlover78

thanks Mathas, I can tell this will be a fun game to play, especially with how shy this poor fish is! maybe I'll go and buy one of those big fish nets for when you go fishing!

R.E.

teehee :P I saw a guy bring in a 15" or so id shark in one of those large plastic toy containers (it was transparent and had wheels!), just make sure that they're sealed from all sides! Good luck!

fishlover78

thanks R.E. it should be fn moving that fish

Da Make It Rain Man

it wouldnt hurt to put him in a near by lake if you dont find a good aquarium or see if there is a big als aquarium near by you im sure they'll take it

R.E.

Never ever release aquarium fish into any lakes or rivers you have where you live. They might upset the natural ecosystem that exists in that place...Best example I read is about snakeheads getting released into lakes and breeding uncontrollably due to not having any natural predators...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channidae

So don't release into lakes and or rivers! /rantover

fishlover78

that's exactly what I was going to say, its not good for the lake's ecosystem and also not good for the fish, I believe ID sharks are tropical. big no no

mathas

Actually, it probably would. I realize the country flag you have on your profile is for Trinidad/Tobago, so you might or might not be familiar with US geography, but fishlover78 does not live in an area with a year-round stable climate.

The temperature gets too low during the winter for a tropical fish like that to survive.

fishlover78

you hit the nail on the head Mathas! I live in jersey and it gets pretty cold here in the winter!

chessie614bob

Fishlover, you didnt by any chance take your shark to the pet shanty did you?? Awhile back I saw a HUGE iridescent they had there. Would haved loved to have gotten him-- had I had the room for a larger tank. But man, what a fish!!!!