columbian sharks

[kcrandall758]

Hello.

I have 3 columbian sharks, all about 3-5" right now, in a fresh water setup, with a blue channel cat, 3 angel fish and an algae eater. I plan on setting them up in a brackish tank, but am wondering how long I should wait? I've had them for about a month now, and seem to be doing well. Different things I've been reading have said when they get bigger, but can be now.... just wanted to get some insight from yous guys.

Thanks!

 

[kcrandall758]

heres a shot of my sharks swimming with my cat

View attachment IMG_20111031_154242.jpg

 

[C L O W N K N I F E]

They look awesome man, howd you get them to line up for a pic? lol

 

[kcrandall758]

Thank you. lol, thats how they swim 95% of the time. Even with the cat. I find it pretty cool lol

 

[krichardson]

Nice looking fish but I think this section is for discussing real sharks.

 

[C L O W N K N I F E]

Thank you. lol, thats how they swim 95% of the time. Even with the cat. I find it pretty cool lol

Wow that is pretty cool, I might have to get some lol

 

[Comatose]

A Colombian shark is actually a species of catfish, no a cartilaginous fish like real sharks and rays. They're very cool none the less, and I think you might find more info in this forum:

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?18-Bottom-Dwellers

 

[Pufferpunk]

You'll need at least a 90g for the 3 of them in marine conditions, as adults.

 

[2columbians]

These fish are my favorites!! I've got three Columbians that are about 6" each... From everything I've read, (which is just about everything google has to offer) now is the best time to start acclimating your sharks to brackish water. Take it slow, though, because these fish are born in fresh river water and progress with maturity into the higher salinities of estuaries and even ocean water. Pufferpunk is correct in that these guys are tank busters and need lots of room to swim.. A powerhead will mimic the current of the river. Mine kind of swim into the current like a treadmill and they're ALWAYS together. They're a schooling species so that explains their constant formation. They get big. About 12" is the average length and I can't wait to see them get that size. The 75 gallon tank I've got them in will eventually be too small, but right now I'm getting away with it. I started the tank as fresh water, and began adding a heaping tablespoon of marine salt mix (NOT AQUARIUM SALT) to a cup-full of cycled tank water, stirring it really well, and pouring the mixture back into the tank. Grab a hydrometer to keep an eye on the SG (specific gavity). They will survive in fresh water, but they WILL NOT thrive. They'll get sores and other big problems and die. Although they do very well in full marine conditions, it is my plan to fluctuate the SG, from fully marine to brackish, throughout their adult lives. They LOVE frozen chopped squid cubes and as opportunistic predators they WILL eat fish that fit into their mouths. I hope this helps and I hope you keep these guys for the long haul.. Nice lookin' cats, by the way!

 

[VaceCooper]

I just put my three 3 1/2 in. columbian sharks in 1.002 sg brackish tank a couple weeks ago, and they have never looked so happy!