Arius seemani, Arius jordani
Quick Stats: Columbian Shark
Family: Ariidae
Range: North, Central, South America
Size: Up to 10 inches
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Plants, rocks, driftwood
Tank Conditions: 74-79°F; pH 7.0-7.5; dH 10-12
Minimum Tank Capacity: 75 gallons
Light: Medium
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming Level: Bottom
Care Level: Easy
Reproduction: Egg Layer
Also known as the Black Fin Shark, the Columbian Shark is a catfish which will grow quite large in an aquarium. It may also be referred to as Jordan's Catfish or the West American Cat Shark. The Columbian Shark has a high fin and long "whiskers" that gives it a classic catfish appearance.
Setting up a tank to match its natural environment will require plenty of plants and rocks. Since it grows quite large, starting with a minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended. As the Columbian Shark grows larger, there is a chance that the shark will eat the smaller tank mates.
The female Columbian Shark will lay the eggs and the male will incubate them in his mouth to protect them.
Feed this fish sinking catfish pellets, bloodworms, or a high quality algae food.
Ideal tank mates include:
Columbian Shark Catfish, Shark Catfish, Columbian Shark, Silver Tipped Shark, Tete Sea Catfish, White Tip Shark Catfish, Black Fin Shark, Christian Catfish, Jordan's Catfish, West American Cat Shark
Synonyms
Arius jordani,
Hexanematichthys seemani,
Tachisurus seemani,
Sciades seemanni Sexing
Females are plumper than males. Breeding rare in captivity due to the size of tanks needed.
Tank compatibility
When this fish is a juvenile it can be kept in
brackish conditions with other larger brackish fish such as the
Mono. As it matures it needs to be in full Marine, and can be kept with large semi-aggressive Marine fish, but bear in mind that this fish can swallow up 67% its body length! These fish prefer to be in groups of 4 or more. Please note this fish is often sold as freshwater, which is of course wrong.
Diet
Carnivorous, likes chunky foods including crustaceans and insect larvae. This fish has a huge appetite and may go looking for food in it's tankmates if not fed sufficiently.
Feeding regime
Twice a day.
Specifics
Very large spacious tank, needs an SG of 1.005 - [
edit] Environment 1.010 when young, 1.020 - 1.025 when adult. Often erroneously sold as freshwater.
Behaviour
A very active scavenger. Can be aggressive towards those smaller than itself and smaller fish will indeed become prey. Should be indifferent towards larger fish as long as they keep out of this fish's way.
Identification
Elongated silver iridescent body, the belly is white. The fins are tipped with white and black. Large protruding eyes. Three sets of
barbels. They also have venomous dorsal spines so need extra care when being handled.
Pictures
very glad i found this added info.. i am going full salt tonight...
I do have to move out my monos as they seem to have developed a bad fin nipping habit grrrrr
are they going into full marine soon ?
