Irridecsent Shark In 50 Gallon Tank?

Hello all,
I was recently given a 50 gallon tank set up and it's occupants. 2 tetras about 3 inches long, 2 corys and a 6-7 ir. shark.

We basically pug and played the tank leaving all of the equipment as is. We were told "sharky" like his big fake log and bubble wall. We've made sure he can get behind the log, he seams to only eat bottom feeder pellets which I add by spoon so I can get them to the back of the tank. He is very active and just swims back and forth all the time.


How long can I keep this large iridescent shark in this tank?
The family we got him from asks about him so I'd like to balance the time we keep him with his well being.
approx. age 5 years.

 

Welcome to the forum.

That little guy will max out at around 4-5 feet long, and (in my opinion) has no business being sold in the domestic pet trade. I suggest you contact all the public aquariums you are willing to travel to and donate him to whoever says yes. Unless you live in a climate whereby it's plausible to keep a tropical pond, that would also work.

I wouldn't hang around either if he is the age you surmise he is. Stunting is reversible, but only if caught early-on. I suggest giving this a read -

Good luck!

 

Welcome.. I agree he needs a much bigger home.. Looks healthy though so no immediate concerns other then he is going to get huge and needs a huge set up .. Good luck with him and keep us posted on your progress.

 

As said above, they can very large and will need at least a few thousand gallons. I’d suggest rehoming him as soon as you can and trying your best to find a suitable place. If an aquarium will take him that’d be fantastic, but also check out people/places that have very large ponds.

 

Thanks all for your prompt replies, it's nice to see this is an active community.

I'll start making calls and I'll feel out the original family.

 

Get a smaller shark and tell the original family that he was fat and lost a few pounds!

(I'm kidding)