Silver Tailed Shark... questions

[pjsmetana]

I just got one of these babies (no really, its a baby) today to grow out for my Oscar tank. Its only about 1.5 inches now.

Few questions about this little guy.
1) How big do they get?
2) How fast do they grow?
3) What do they eat when they get bigger?
4) Are they decent scavengers?
5) At what size can I add this to my Oscar tank? (O's are about 6" now)
6) Its in my Molly/Swordtail tank at the moment, at what size will they be in danger?
7) How they heck do you transfer a larger catfish without a net? (I have nets, but I know ya can't use them on cats)

Thanks everyone!

Crappy Pic, but you get the idea. Hes so little

 

[manlyfish]

they get about 12'' long they'll need brackish water and you can use nets for cats they don't mind cats are pretty tough. he'll prob be an ok scavenger but since he'll need brackish in a bit and if you don't already have a brackish tank you'll have to feed him his own little diet. i would give him carnivore pellets or massivore delights something with some meat in it. i'm not sure how fast they grow. you'll never be able to have him with your O's
good luck

 

[Columbian Shark 3]

Growth rate wise I got my three Silver tailed sharks/columbian sharks in 2007 when they we're about 2-3 inches, and they are now 7 inches so you're looking at 1 and a 1/4 inch to 1 and a 1/2 inch per year, I feed mine carnivore pellets and regular shrimp pellets they also love (and I mean love) blood worms.

 

[Pomatomus]

people say you shouldn't use nets on catfishes because their spines can become lodged in the net. They must either be untangled or cut-free if this happens. However, your net is more likely to be damaged than the fish. Personally, I have used nets for various catfishes and I will do it again.

Unless it's a pleco. Then it's just easier to grab its head.

 

[pjsmetana]

Right now hes eating Flakes and small Sinking African Cichlid pellets. Its awesome watching it school around the tank with the Juvenile Emerald Cory Cats. Its already the most active fish I've ever had.

The slow growth rate kinda worries me. I mean, its good, because that means I have time to get a 3rd tank, but bad because I wanted him as a bottom feeder in my Oscar tank. With the speed Oscars grow, they will be a foot long before this cat/shark grows 2 inches.

As far as salt goes, I don't believe this guy is going to have to have brackish. I understand some salt is necessary, as with pretty much any freshwater fish, but I don't feel brackish is a necessity. If this guy is just like the Columbian, then I know for sure it can do both fresh and salt water tanks, as long as its acclimated very slowly. On top of that, it was born in freshwater, and is very active and lively in freshwater right now.

Thanks for all the info guys.

 

[Red Devil]

Sciades seemanni (Arius seemani)

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Overview:

1. Not one of the best choices in aquarium fish the Columbian shark is becoming more common in the trade. Freshwater when young and Brackish when mature the Columbian shark can reach a length of Two feet, although one foot is more the norm.

Quick stats:

1. Listed tank sizes are the minimum​
   
   
   
   
   
   Size:12-14 + inches (30-35cm)Tank:48 inches minimum for youngStrata:Lower to middlePH:6.8 to 8.0Hardness:Medium hard to hard, 8-30 dH Temperature:75°F to 80°F (25-27°C)

Columbian Shark

The Columbian Shark seems to be one of those fish that are always at the pet stores, often incorrectly identified and/or with misleading or incorrect information. For the majority of home hobbyists (95 percent or more of us) this fish is not a good one to keep. Let me explain why...

They usually get lumped in with the freshwater fish species but this fish is not purely a freshwater fish. It is actually a brackish water species as juveniles that will slowly need to be acclimated to a full saltwater tank as they get bigger. The potential adult size of this fish is also often misrepresented. They can reach 20 inches (51 cm) or more in size if taken care of properly.
The other thing to keep in mind with the Columbian cats is that they are predators and will eat smaller tank mates once they get big enough. In fact, some hobbyists will feed them small feeder guppies as an occasional treat.
They can be fairly active and will need lots of swimming room. Couple their activity levels with their potential adult size and you can start to realize that you will need a pretty big tank to keep these guys happy and healthy.
They should accept most fish foods including flakes, frozen, freeze dried and live foods. Drop in some sinking shrimp pellets or catfish pellets when the lights are turned off and let them scavenge around for them.
Colombian Sharks also have venomous dorsal spines, so be very careful when performing your tank maintenance. It's probably a really good idea to get some of those long rubber aquarium gloves.
If you do not acclimate to brackish water you will see their skin turn darker until almost mildew looking... and shortly after they will die.... by about 5 or 6 inches you should start to acclimate to brackish....and from there on in acclimate to full salt over a period of time and growth....

Common Names : A very long list of common names: Silver Tipped Shark, Tete Sea Catfish, White Tip Shark Catfish, Black Fin Shark, Christian Catfish, Jordan's Catfish, West American Cat Shark

 

[Columbian Shark 3]

After he breaks five inches he needs brackish or he will get skin infections and die, sorry.

 

[pjsmetana]

After he breaks five inches he needs brackish or he will get skin infections and die, sorry.

Son of a... last time I send my wife to the LFS! I don't buy anything without research 1st, but she thought it was cute. Anyone want this guy? Free.

 

[Red Devil]

Son of a... last time I send my wife to the LFS! I don't buy anything without research 1st, but she thought it was cute. Anyone want this guy? Free.

i know .... i wish it wasn't bad news to forward to you... but before you buy...remember MFK..and ask us.... we have done that and been there before... and we don't want other fishkeepers to go through it, very stressful to go through and also for the sake of the fish... i love mine and i don't mind go full salt... but they are the only two fish in the whole tank...

 

[pjsmetana]

Well, I just talked to my wife about this, and her suggestion is to start a large salt water tank. I knew she was pushing for salt! She's been all over clowns, tangs, and all those super colorful salt fish. I bet she knew this thing needed salt later in life. Women! Not just stressful to me, but to my fish!

So, another 150g for this thing? What all do I need? Needs good movement right?

More importantly, has anyone actually accomplished teaching their wifes what to do?