Missing Rainbow Shark

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with Rainbow Sharks, in particular if you have ever had them burrow into the substrate. I ask as I recently got two and within the last day or so one has completely disappeared. I have searched all through my plants and ornaments and can't find any trace of him. I don't believe he has died and been eaten as there should be a trace of him and he was swimming normally. The only thing I can think of he has burrowed into the substrate.
Any help would be much appreciated as it has me stumped.

They are currently housed with some Molly's and Swordtails.
Thanks in advance,
t0ny84

 

Is there a lid on the tank, check the filter to see if he jumped into it.

 

Fish are funny that way. I don’t have rainbow shark experience but I have heard many people here say they haven’t found their rainbow shark for long periods of time. I agree with above - check filter and check around the floor just in case. But likely he’s hiding real well. Not sure if they bury into substrate but definitely be cautious when gravel vacuuming for a while.

 

I have a rainbow shark, they dont bury in the substrate. You would him in a place where there is less light such as a cave or plants. You can try to put an algae wafer out and see if he will come out.

 

Also, how big is the tank? I know rainbow sharks are very territorial. It could be that the second one is being aggressive, causing the other to hide, or that it killed this one altogether.

 

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the replies, to answer some questions:

- Lid on tank (with small gaps either side).
- About 10 cm from water level to top of tank.
- Tank is a 4 foot tank.
- Filter is an Fluval 305.
- Whilst in the tank (when observed) neither showed any aggression.

Update: Unfortunately he is gone (98% sure it's him), I don't know how or when exactly but I came over to the tank to check around the filter pipes and found a tail and spine.

I originally bought two sharks and one died within a day or so (looked sick/small when I bought them), got a replacement and the new one looked healthy and active. I think I will be putting this shop on my do not buy from list.

Thanks again for all of your suggestions and help.

 

O

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the replies, to answer some questions:

- Lid on tank (with small gaps either side).
- About 10 cm from water level to top of tank.
- Tank is a 4 foot tank.
- Filter is an Fluval 305.
- Whilst in the tank (when observed) neither showed any aggression.

Update: Unfortunately he is gone (98% sure it's him), I don't know how or when exactly but I came over to the tank to check around the filter pipes and found a tail and spine.

I originally bought two sharks and one died within a day or so (looked sick/small when I bought them), got a replacement and the new one looked healthy and active. I think I will be putting this shop on my do not buy from list.

Thanks again for all of your suggestions and help.

Sorry for your loss buddy. Hopefully you’ll have better luck with the replacement. I’m not sure the size of your tank but I have a red tail shark in a 60 gallon with some African cichlids and he is the most aggressive one in there so I wouldn’t recommend getting another one if you were planning on it. Also I would recommend some other fairly aggressive livestock if you were planning on getting any fish.