Fish Donation... ID Sharks

HI all...I have 3 Iridescent Shark for about 8 years now.  They range from 7" to 12" long.  I have them in a 50 gallon tank which I feel they are too big for and I know it's inhumane to keep them in such a small tank.  My question is, does anyone know of an organization where I can donate them so they may have a more normal environment to grow in.  I live in NJ....

 

Is there a public aquarium in your area?
Tom

 

I didn't think of an aquarium.  I'll start looking into it...

 

I've contacted several aquariums regarding donating my 3 iridescent sharks.  But I haven't had any luck.  I'm really concerned about their health and need suggestions on how to safely donate them.... ???

 

oh man.

I live iin NW NJ. I don't have a tank big enough for them though.

 

Madrizzo I hope you don't mind if I take this opportunity to say this is why we advise people first to research the size of the fish they want before buying, and second to buy fish that will fit into the tank they have right now at their adults sizes because sometimes it's hard to afford a bigger tank or find homes for them when they out grow their current tank.
I do want to say good for you for realizing they need bigger accomodations and are trying to do something about it.
Frequently public aquariums won't take fish that have out grown home aquariums. sometimes they don't fit into their planning scheme or they simply don't have room. They get thousands of people each year wanting to give them Pacu, red tail catfish, sharks of all kinds etc.
I wish you the best of luck because I can tell you do care about what happens to them.
Carol

 

Carol, I appreciate your concern and I do understand the ramifications of not doing my research. At the time of purchase I wasn't as educated as I am now. I've learned a lot over the past 9 years and made a lot of mistakes. All the fish that I purchase now are based solely on research and long term health...

I went to one local fish store and he was willing to take the 2 smaller sharks. I didn't want to separate them, but I think that I might have too...

 

What store? I really need to get rid of my freshwater fish.

 

The Pet Shanty in Scotch Plains on Rt. 22 West. Depending on his need for the specific fish, he might give you a store credit.

 

I think we are about an hour away. I am 15 minutes from flanders

He may take the croaking gourami's. They are so pretty\


Edited to add: I been there a few times. Thanks for the info ;D

 

I too made this error. One of my first lessons. I have been suckin it up and buying bigger tanks every year, but now I'm getting too big. They have 150 gals now, which is OK.....for now. Research is by far the most important advice in this hobby eh.