superpeytonm
Aquarium Advice Freak
Columbian Shark (Arius jordani)
The Columbian Shark is not an actual shark, but a catfish. Also known as the Silver-Tipped Shark, Tete Sea Catfish, White Tip Shark Catfish, Black Fin Shark, Christian Catfish, Jordan's Catfish, West American Cat Shark, and sometimes Bull Shark, these fish grow to a large size. If cared for properly they've been known to reach lengths of 20" or more, although most max out at 10-15". Originating from Central, North and South Americas, you'll need a large tank and one that matches its natural enviroment for it to be happy and healthy. This will require plenty of plants and rocks. Still want one? Read on. For one Columbian Shark, I would recommend either a 70 or 75 gallon aquarium, although it should be much larger for multiple. These fish are brackish fish, meaning they need some aquarium salt in the water, despite being commonly grouped in with freshwater fish. As they grow into adulthood, they'll a fully saltwater tank. They're omnivores so you should feed them foods such as sinking catfish pellets, bloodworms and\or high quality algae food. Some quick stats before we head into breeding:
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful, besides eating small fish as it grows larger.
Water Conditions: 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, or 24-27 degrees Celsius, kH 10-12, pH 7.0-7.5
Family: Ariidae
Lifespan: 10-15 years or longer
Caution: Columbian Sharks have venomous dorsal spines, so be careful during tank maintenance. You could purchase a pair of rubber aquarium gloves.
Now onto breeding. Telling the males and females apart is hard just by looking at external features. The female will lay eggs and the male will incubate them in his mouth to protect them. Remember, not every site you research on will have the same results. People will disagree on max size, care level, experiance needed, etc. It's important to do research before buying a fish, or any animal for that matter. Check sites, although some could have bad or outdated information, for care sheets and other things.
The Columbian Shark is not an actual shark, but a catfish. Also known as the Silver-Tipped Shark, Tete Sea Catfish, White Tip Shark Catfish, Black Fin Shark, Christian Catfish, Jordan's Catfish, West American Cat Shark, and sometimes Bull Shark, these fish grow to a large size. If cared for properly they've been known to reach lengths of 20" or more, although most max out at 10-15". Originating from Central, North and South Americas, you'll need a large tank and one that matches its natural enviroment for it to be happy and healthy. This will require plenty of plants and rocks. Still want one? Read on. For one Columbian Shark, I would recommend either a 70 or 75 gallon aquarium, although it should be much larger for multiple. These fish are brackish fish, meaning they need some aquarium salt in the water, despite being commonly grouped in with freshwater fish. As they grow into adulthood, they'll a fully saltwater tank. They're omnivores so you should feed them foods such as sinking catfish pellets, bloodworms and\or high quality algae food. Some quick stats before we head into breeding:
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful, besides eating small fish as it grows larger.
Water Conditions: 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, or 24-27 degrees Celsius, kH 10-12, pH 7.0-7.5
Family: Ariidae
Lifespan: 10-15 years or longer
Caution: Columbian Sharks have venomous dorsal spines, so be careful during tank maintenance. You could purchase a pair of rubber aquarium gloves.
Now onto breeding. Telling the males and females apart is hard just by looking at external features. The female will lay eggs and the male will incubate them in his mouth to protect them. Remember, not every site you research on will have the same results. People will disagree on max size, care level, experiance needed, etc. It's important to do research before buying a fish, or any animal for that matter. Check sites, although some could have bad or outdated information, for care sheets and other things.
