what to feed iridescent shark

^{These are some food that you can try feeding your Iridescent Sharks:}

• Blood worms
• Tetras
• Guppies
• Smelts
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Prawns
Brine shrimp
Crickets
Live fishes
Scallops
Pumpkin squash
Cucumbers
Lettuce
Kale

What do Iridescent sharks eat?

What Do Iridescent Sharks Eat? As omnivores, Iridescent sharks can eat just about anything. Of course, certain foods and nutrients are healthier for your fish than others. Juveniles who are still growing will need a diet that is high and fat and protein, so live fish and meat will be great for them.

How often should I Feed my Iridescent sharks?

Small Iridescent Sharks eat more meat, as they keep growing they lose their teeth and prefer plant-based food. They love pellets and flakes. You can feed your Iridescent Sharks as much as three times per day.

How do you care for an iridescent shark?

Iridescent shark care is interesting. It’s actually rather manageable when it comes to their actual water parameters, food, and tank mates. The biggest thing you need to deal with is their size. As we’ve already established, these fish can get quite big.

What fish can I keep with my Iridescent sharks?

There are many large peaceful or semi-aggressive, but not overtly so, fish that will make good companions and tank mates for your iridescent sharks. These include: The iridescent shark can live with any non-aggressive or semi-aggressive fish of a similar size and which will not harass the shark itself.

What do I feed my shark fish?

Most sharks are omnivorous in captivity and will thrive on a varied diet that includes Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Spirulina Flakes, Tropical Granules, Algae Rounds, Bottom Feeder Tablets and Shrimp Pellets. Frozen and live foods can also be fed as treats to improve growth and color.

How fast does a iridescent shark grow?

– Growth Rate Most iridescent sharks will be around two to four inches when you buy them. Their growth rate is actually very fast compared to most other fish, especially if you give them a huge tank and a meaty diet filled with protein. In that case, you will see them reach around a foot of length within a year.

How big does iridescent sharks get?

4.3 ftAdults reach up to 130 cm (4.3 ft) in length and can weigh up to a maximum of 44 kg (97 lb). They have a shiny, iridescent color that gives these fish their name. However, large adults are uniformly grey. The fins are dark grey or black.

What fish can live with iridescent shark?

Iridescent Shark Tank Mates Avoid keeping sharks with smaller fish like tetras and barbs, or edible snails and shrimp. Large, aggressive fish like cichlids may pick on your sharks, but are among the better options.

How often do iridescent sharks eat?

They require a balanced diet but will eat a variety of living, frozen, or pellet/flake foods. To make sure their diet is balanced, feed your iridescent catfish high-quality flakes two or three times a day. Make sure to not overfeed them by only giving them enough food so that they eat it all within 5 or so minutes.

Can iridescent shark bite?

Although they will not bite goldfish but they actually belong to catfish family and very skittish in nature.

Do iridescent sharks play dead?

Do Iridescent Sharks Play Dead? Sometimes, especially when scared, this fish might choose to play dead. If your fish is floating around in the water, double-check to make sure it isn't just pretending before removing it from the water.

Do iridescent sharks need a school?

The Importance Of A School Since these are schooling fish the best iridescent catfish, are more iridescent catfish. We recommend a school of at least 4 to ensure they're comfortable. These fish will live in a constant state of stress and worry if they're alone.

Do iridescent sharks lay eggs?

Look for signs of females carrying eggs in the spring or summer months, once they are fully grown. Males will fertilize the eggs that the females lay. Observe your pond to see if any tiny, young iridescent sharks have emerged, which means your fish have spawned successfully.

Why is my iridescent shark swimming upside down?

The impaired buoyancy in fish is caused by a malfunction of their swim bladder. When affected by Swim Bladder Disorder fish will often lose the ability to properly swim. They will float uncontrollably to the top of the aquarium, turned upside down, while still being alive.

Iridescent Sharks Overview

Though their name might scare some people away, Iridescent Sharks are peaceful omnivores that can make a grand impression in any large freshwater aquarium.

Iridescent Sharks: Origin, Distribution, and Availability

Sutchi Catfish originate in the Mekong River and Chao Phraya River in Southeast Asia. They have survived in this tropical climate for centuries and have since been bred and farmed in other rivers throughout the world. Iridescent Sharks live and breed in deep and warm river waters.

Iridescent Sharks Typical Behavior

Despite what their name implies, Siamese Sharks are very peaceful and non-aggressive. They do not fight other fish or attack others over territory or mates. In the wild, young Sutchi Catfish are schooling fish, meaning they prefer to stay together in large groups. This is both for safety and social reasons.

Iridescent Shark Characteristics

There are distinct color patterns, fin shapes, and markings that make the iridescent shark stand out from other catfish in its species. As the fish grows older, their appearance will start to change. This makes them an exciting fish to keep in any residential or commercial aquarium.

Iridescent Sharks Aquarium Care and Conditions

It is very important to set up the proper conditions and specifications of your tank to help your Sutchi Catfish to live long and healthy lives. There are several critical aspects of tank preparation that you must secure before introducing these fish to their new home.

Iridescent Sharks Diet and Feeding

As omnivores, Iridescent sharks can eat just about anything. Of course, certain foods and nutrients are healthier for your fish than others. Juveniles who are still growing will need a diet that is high and fat and protein, so live fish and meat will be great for them.

Iridescent Sharks Common Diseases and Prevention

Stress is a big worry with catfish species like this. Maintain good water conditions and a comfortable feeding schedule so they can feel at home in their environment. There are a few conditions and diseases that Sutchi catfish can become susceptible to whenever there is a lack of care. Keep an eye out for the following ailments in your large fish:

Iridescent Shark Behavior

Considered a peaceful, gentle giant of the hobby, they can be timid when first introduced to your new tank after sourcing. After several weeks, you should be able to observe your Iridescent Sharks becoming more active and engaged out in the wide open.

Iridescent Shark Lifespan

If you cater to the needs of your Iridescent Sharks, you could expect them to live for, on average, around 20 years, which is a considerable amount of time to invest in a hobby. You must be sure you have ample space and the capacity to care for them that length of time.

Iridescent Shark Appearance

As one of the largest freshwater fish you can acquire and house in a hobby tank, you should be prepared that at full maturity, they usually reach up to 48 inches in length. This is not an inconsiderable size for a hobbyist’s undertaking!

Iridescent Shark Habitat And Tank Requirements

As always, we want to achieve optimum health for fish we keep in captivity by closely mimicking their natural habitat. Their wild origins are the swiftly flowing river waters of Southeast Asia.

How To Feed Iridescent Sharks

Iridescent Sharks are omnivores and will enjoy a balanced diet of plants and proteins in their diet.

Iridescent Shark Common Health Issues

Most freshwater fish are susceptible to Ich (White Spot Disease), which, as the name implies, is easily distinguished by white spots on the body due to a parasitic infection.

So are Iridescent Sharks Worth The Space And Upkeep?

We think Iridescent Sharks make a great option for the hobbyist who can accommodate a suitable amount of space and finances to keep these peaceful giants.

How to tell if a shark is iridescent?

When determining if an iridescent shark is a male or female the biggest thing to look for is their size. Females are a bit wider and less streamlined than males.

How long do iridescent sharks live?

Lifespan. The lifespan of an iridescent shark is upward of twenty years. This is another reason why understanding their size and growth rate is so essential. These are fish that can live a very long time if you provide them with the right environment.

How big of a tank do sharks need?

Tank Size. When fully grown you’ll want at least a 300-gallon tank for an iridescent shark. This will give them enough room to swim freely and be comfortable. Some owners keep these fish in smaller tanks when they initially get them and gradually transition them to larger and larger tanks over time.

What is an iridescent catfish?

Iridescent catfish are rather interesting looking animals. While some people think of many catfish as being a little uninspiring in the aesthetics department, it’s hard to argue with the unique look you find with these fish!

Is it hard to care for an iridescent shark?

If you’re someone who’s not deterred by large tanks and massive fish, this will be a great choice for you. They’re also not as difficult to care for as you might think. In fact, iridescent shark care is 90% about providing them with enough space to feel comfortable.

Can iridescent sharks breed in the wild?

These fish need very specific conditions in order to breed and they can only be found in the wild.

Do iridescent sharks have dark skin?

Iridescent sharks also have very dark shiny skin when they’re younger. As they grow older their skin becomes less shiny and transitions into a dark, solid grey. This can sometimes confuse people who see them as adults and lead to misidentification. These fish have long barbels that give them the classic “catfish” look.

What is an iridescent shark?

Iridescent Shark is a type of freshwater Catfish and they are one among the peaceful community of large freshwater fishes. It is also referred to by many other names like the Siamese shark and Sutchi catfish.

Why are iridescent sharks so prone to infections?

Stress plays a significant role in causing diseases as they fail their immune system, and they become more vulnerable to infections. Always make sure to keep them comfortable and stress-free. It is also equally crucial to give them a feeling of home, so they don’t become stressed.

Do iridescent sharks need care?

The Iridescent Sharks are not hands down to be taken care of. They require quite an advanced level of care. Moreover, that is mainly because they are by nature confirmed to the rivers and so naturally their preferences are based on that habitat.

Can you put a iridescent shark with a smaller fish?

It is not advisable to put Iridescent Sharks along with fishes that are smaller than them as smaller fishes can become a part of their meal. Also, be careful not to put them along with fishes that are immensely larger than them as they may end up being preyed upon. It is quite hard to select tank mates for Iridescent Sharks because of their large body size.

In the Wild

Iridescent sharks concentrate in two river basins in Southeast Asia: the Mekong and the Chao Phraya.

Larger Than Advertised

In most fish stores, iridescent sharks get sold between 2.5 – 4 inches (6 – 10 cm).

Lifespan

As if the massive size of the iridescent shark wasn’t troubling enough, this catfish can live for almost TWENTY years!

Behavior

While “shark” conjures images of a lone predator – and several freshwater sharks do best on their own – the iridescent shark is a schooling fish.

Iridescent Sharks in Communities

For most aquarists, managing a school of iridescent sharks is challenging enough. But these peaceful catfish do nicely in communities.

Feeding Iridescent Sharks

As omnivores (not to mention members of the catfish group), iridescent sharks aren’t picky eaters. However, you still want to do some homework and apply thought to keep these fish happy and healthy.

Breeding Iridescent Sharks: A Wild Proposition

While tackling the breeding of iridescent sharks sounds thrilling and challenging, you’re going to need to set that ambition aside.

What to feed juvenile iridescent sharks?

With naturally-blooming algae or algae wafers, seed plants, zooplankton, small insects, and tropical flake or pellet foods your juvenile iridescent shark should be healthy and have a well-rounded diet.

How many gallons of water do iridescent sharks need?

The iridescent shark can be kept relatively happily in a 60-gallon aquarium, but since they prefer to school, you will likely need an aquarium or aquatic space that is at least 40 feet in length, or 300 gallons or more.

What is an iridescent shark?

Iridescent sharks (previously Pangasius hypophthalmus, currently Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) are a species of large, freshwater catfish. Which probably seems strange if you only know them as iridescent sharks. In fact, they are also commonly known as Sutchi catfish, Pangasius catfish, and striped catfish. Iridescent sharks aren’t actually ...

How long do iridescent sharks live?

These fish can grow to be between 3.3 and 4.3 feet in length. They can live for approximately twenty years if given the proper space and a relatively stress-free environment.

What is the best treatment for catfish infection?

An easier solution is to use treatments such as Pimafix or Melafix to treat your infected tank, depending on appropriateness, if iridescent sharks are in the tank.

Why is the lateral line important for sharks?

The lateral line should be pointed out because it is actually a sensory organ. It’s full of nervous tissue that is used to help the fish detect changes in the water, and may help them identify potential threats. By the time they are adults, iridescent sharks are actually a fairly uniform gray color.

What does it mean when a shark moves?

What this means is that when it moves, the scales can sometimes reflect light in different colors or may simply appear particularly shiny.

How to keep iridescent sharks calm?

When this happens, they may hit their head on the glass or decor. You can help keep them calm by placing the tank in a fairly quiet area , somewhere they aren’t likely to be scared by loud noises or people passing by the tank.

How many gallon tanks do iridescent sharks need?

A juveniles iridescent shark will need at least a 100 gallon aquarium. As adults they will need a 300 gallon tank. As juveniles they will thrive within groups of around 4 or 5. This schooling will allow them to swim in the water column with less fear.

How big can a shark get?

As a matured adult the iridescent shark can grow up to four foot. Many people will buy them as small juveniles and not realize how big they can get.

How to keep iridescent catfish healthy?

To make sure your fish are happy and healthy, the water needs to be as clean as possible . Iridescent catfish are messy by nature and need a strong filter. You can help with the filtration by changing 25% of the water weekly. This is one of the most time consuming duties of caring for your iridescent sharks.

How many gallons of water do you need for a juvenile fish?

The biggest challenge when keeping these fish is having the right size aquarium. While a 100 gallon for juveniles will be ok, 300 gallons will be needed as they begin to grow.

Where do iridescent sharks live?

Iridescent sharks, also known as the siamese shark or sutchi catfish, are a species of catfish native to Southeast Asia and Thailand. In the aquarium, they provide a lot of schooling activity. They are favored for their behavior and appearance. Video Player is loading.

How to get nutrients to fish?

Live fish and other live foods are a great way to get nutrients to your fish as well as make feeding exiting and bring out their natural hunting behaviors. If you decide to use feeder fish, buy them from your local store and quarantine them in a separate tank for a few days.

Species Summary

Appearance

Size

Iridescent Shark Care

Food & Diet

• Finding the right iridescent shark food is all about maintaining variety. Since these fish are omnivores (and catfish) they’re really not picky when it comes to their diet. That means it’s on you to find the right combination of food that gives them the necessary vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy. Micronutrient deficiencies can impact the heal...

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Behavior & Temperament

Iridescent Shark Tank Mates

Breeding

Conclusion