juv horn sharks... Improper
sys., phony "med.s" 2-4-08
Hello there! I am writing to ask the fish guru's a question. I am moving
soon and have placed my 2 horn sharks in a 100 gallon tank
<Much too small>
where they have been for a while now with no problems. I do run a chiller and
keep them well fed. Recently I have added my fish and they started getting ick
so I started dosing the tank with ich attack which is 100 percent natural and
reef safe.
<And worthless... ineffective>
Anyway I also had fun rot on my snapper so I started using melafix
<Ditto>
and had no problem. I noticed my female horn shark was getting some white duly
material over both of her eyes and didn't know what it was. I have since then
removed all the fish and placed them in other quarantine tanks and have kept
using melafix for the past 2 days. Wondering what you guys and girls thought it
might be. I think it might be Popeye but don't know why. I am unsure what it is
and though the problem isn't serious yet I would rather it not get to be a
problem. Anyway please help me. 3 do not want to move any sick or fusesrd fish
as it probably would make it worse. Any advice? Thanks in advance, Andre
<... your system is too small, you're wasting your time with placebos... your
fishes are suffering from environmental stress... See WWM re Heterodontids
period, the phony medications you list... and soon. Your animals will soon be
dead unless you act... with knowledge. Bob Fenner>
Port Jackson difficulties!
Dis., sys. 8/1/07
Hello Crew, my chiller on my 100 gallon tank recently stopped working and I
had to move my 8 inch Port Jackson to my 55 Gallon
<Too small...>
chilled system which runs an average of 66-72 degrees Fahrenheit. I would have
put him in my 400 gallon but am afraid he will become a snack in there. I just
recently also acquired 2 epaulettes and now the PJ is acting a little different.
<In the same tank? Way too small...>
It chafes against the substrate every once in a while and does yawn a bit too.
<Indicative of stress very likely>
He does have a small bit of blanching on his nose
<Ditto>
I believe and I think he might have some parasites.
<?>
If startled it does swim erratically and sometimes does do rectal eversion after
feeding.
<Very bad signs>
I do have Scott W. Michaels Aquarium Sharks and Rays and do have the formalin
recommended. Im having a hard time correctly diagnosing though and am unsure if
a formalin bath would do more harm than good.
<Possibly...>
That's why Im searching for help! What should I do? I am out of town and will
perform a water change when I get home this weekend. I run a 75 Gallon wet/dry
system on it, a 300 gallon capacity fluidized bed filter, and a Pacific Import
Chiller. I Will receive another chiller for my 100 gallon soon but would like to
treat them in the 55
<What? No! Do NOT put formalin in any biological system...>
to Not spread the parasites or disease. I can upgrade the filtration a bit as I
do have an extra 300 gallon capacity Wet/Dry filter. What should I do? I don't
want to lose my baby.
<Read: http://wetwebmedia.com/formalinart.htm
and the linked files above. BobF>
Floating egg, Hornshark
7/9/07
Hello Crew! I've had a horn shark egg since February and have been
waiting on the baby to hatch. I placed it in my chilled system of 90
gallons (will go into my 400 gallon once he grows enough to not be eaten
by others). He is in a little boxed netted area sitting in front of my
return hose where he gets proper aeration and can be undisturbed.
Yesterday the egg sort of began floating!
<Does happen at times...>
What should i do?
<Mmm, either be satisfied with the current arrangement, leave it
alone... Or move this egg to another setting... perhaps wedged twixt
rocks below...
I did notice it had a little crack on it and let some bubbles out of it.
<Not necessarily problematical>
Every time i did though some white stuff came afterward. I thought the
egg might have been trying to patch itself up but have no idea. Its
supposed to hatch in the next two months and now I don't know if it
will.
<Only time can/will tell>
What should i do? Can't candle the egg because my lights are not that
strong. Will try to candle under metal halides. The egg is never taken
out of the water so it is always submersed, in the meantime here go some
pics.
<I would likely submerge the egg, as stated, place where it won't easily
float free... I am more concerned with the possible lack of
water/circulation should too much of it float above water. Bob Fenner> |
|
 |
Port Jackson Shark (tropical in this case... Australia)
Reproduction – 4/29/07
Hello,
<Hi there!>
I have 3 Port Jackson sharks in a tank together.
<Neat, I’m guessing/hoping that it’s a very large tank!>
I would like to know if they can be sexed..
<If they’re mature, no problem. If they’re young, it might be more
difficult. Mature males have obvious “claspers” located at their pelvic
region. See photo at this link:
http://www.marinethemes.com/aasearchfiles/Horn%20Sharks/pages/S04A02%2054639.html
>
...and if they will breed in a tank.
<I have heard of these breeding in captivity, but I’m guessing it
involved very, very, large systems. I’d think that it would be unlikely
in a home aquarium situation. These fish take a long time to reach
sexual maturity, around 8 to 10 yrs for males and 11 to 14 for females.
Many, simply don’t live that long. Given the right conditions and care,
though, it's always a possibility!>
Regards,
Francis
<Take care and good luck! -Lynn>
PJ HELP! Shark, not the Underoos... Fritzing, but not communicating
4/2/07
Hey guys! I just got back from a business trip and was completely horrified
as I walked in and saw my most prized shark swimming/floating around! He is a
port Jackson and was a present to me. I love this little guy!
<?>
What should I do? the temp is currently 67 and he is used to this! I was told
though that the temp was bouncing
<?>
because the chiller needs more Freon! What is the best solution? He is fed
<What?>
regularly and also takes vitamins?
<Sort?>
He does like to swallow air bubbles
<Shouldn't be allowed in the system>
and I have tried to stop him
<?>
but have had no success! I was just also told he missed his wed
<...>
feeding? So he probably has no food in his tummy as I feed wed. and sun.! Pls
help? I was reading and am about to try administering Epsom salt in his water!
Pls help! Thanks!
<Your message makes little sense... No useful data presented... Please read on
WWM re Heterodontids, Cold-water sharks, shark systems, Disease/health in
general. Bob Fenner>
Re: PJ HELP! 4/3/07
Sorry about the last message!
<I was concerned...>
I just seemed to panic. I've had this port Jackson about half a year and when i
walked in yesterday he was floating! He couldn't really stay down! I've
controlled the bubbles and fed him so he is doing better.
<Ah, good>
He still has some trouble saying down and looks like he hovers a little. The
temp is 67 degrees in his system and he seems to be good except for the fact
that he has a hard time staying down. Water params are great but i will do a 25%
water change just in case.
<Good idea>
What could this be?
<Perhaps just the ingested bubbles>
He still has a strong appetite and loving personality! I would like to enjoy it
a minimum of 20 more years. What should i do?
<Mmm... need to know more re what you have... a large/r system, more
filtration...>
There seems to be little chunks of LR everywhere by a big piece and am afraid he
might have swallowed some.
<Mmm>
Could this be the cause?
<Yes... though not common>
I have other fish in there and they're fine.
He seems to be the only one floating/hovering? Should i dose Epsom salt and see
if it help him pass it.
<I would not>
I saw this in anther article you guys answered to. Sorry if there is any
misunderstanding. If you feel the need to ask please contact me at (XXXX).
Thanks so much.
<Welcome my friend. Life to you. Bob Fenner>
Re: PJ HELP! 4/4/07
Hey Bob! I would like to let you know I have fixed the problem and my PJ is
fine.
<Great news Andre>
He seemed to have ingested bubbles and has now expelled them. The problem was
his feeding was not given and he searched for food all over the tank, at which
time he must have ingested bubbles! He is doing fine and I will ensure he does
not miss anymore feedings. He is currently in a 400 gallon chilled system. (8' L
x 3 1/2' W x 2' T)
<Ah, very nice. Friend Anthony Calfo's brother in law has a similarly sized,
shaped system (in PA) with some Heterodontus francisci in it...>
He will go into a larger system when he is older (my 2,000 gallon currently
cycling)
<Wowzah!>
but at the moment he is only 12". His water is kept at 67 avg. No higher than 69
at any time and he just loves to eat.
<Good and good>
I thank you for your help and expertise. I run 2 500 gallon capacity wet/dry
filters on this tank as well as a 900 gal. capacity fluidized bed filter on it.
<I suspect you never have ammonia, nitrite issues... but would stay guarded,
look to biological means (DSB, live algal, plant filtration) to deal with
accumulated nitrate (keep under 20 ppm...)>
There is strong current but no powerheads and he has his own securely fit
together cave. I plan on getting him 2 female companions but have had no luck
finding the darker PJs.
<Darker? Am unfamiliar with this difference... is this the Ca. Horn Shark?>
Any idea where I might be able to find them? Also are you really speaking at
SaltwaterU?
<Oh! Yes>
If so I look forward to it. Thanks my friend and all of you at Wet Web Media.
<And to you Andre. Bob Fenner>
Shark Eggs 3/28/07
Hey guys! I just received my first horn shark egg and was wondering how I
can candle it? Its hard to see inside because of all the curves. Also Where
should the baby be located inside the egg? Middle, bottom, top? My system is
chilled and the egg is about 2 months old. Im expecting it to hatch in late or
early September. Is this right?
<Do read FAQ's here and linked files above. Should find what you are looking
for here. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharkeggfaqs.htm>
<<Mmm, no, not likely... the young should be visible... toward the middle of the
egg... a flashlight held behind should do. RMF>>
Thanks so much.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Horn Shark Egg 3/19/07
Hey crew! I was wondering what i need to do in order to tell if a horn shark
egg had a baby inside
<"Candle it"... strong source light behind... looking>
as well as what to do to hatch it?
<Suitable habitat... chilled, rock et all to hang in, circulation/aeration>
I plan on placing it in my 55 gallon
<Too small for long>
until it gets a little bigger and can safely go into a larger tank. It will
eventually go into my chilled 400 gallon system.
<Much better>
I know these sharks
<Is this Heterodontus francisci? There are a number of sharks with this common
name, some semi-tropical... but not the one from the Californias>
prefer cooler water so no worries (all my tanks have chillers).
I have been looking for a horn shark but this is my first encounter with anyone
who has an egg and I've hatched a few bamboo eggs but would like to
ask the experts and see what they have to say. I'm getting it from a local guy
and he doesn't know too much! Thanks for all the help!
<You've seen my survey article here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm
Bob Fenner>
Re: Horn Shark Egg - 03/20/07
Yes it is Heterodontus francisci. It is from California. Now is there
supposed to be movement in the egg at all times?
<No, only intermittently>
As I am told it is in the first trimester, there is not movement yet and it
barley developed eyes. Is this correct?
<Yes... barely>
I do not want to purchase anything dead! Also how long until I can place him
with other sharks biggest being 18" and the other being 12"?
<Depends on the other species... The principal predators of cartilaginous
fishes... are sharks>
Both are docile but the 12" one is a little mean. The tank it will be in when it
gets big enough is 8ft long, 3 and a half feet wide, and 2 feet tall.
<Mmm, wish this were wider...>
As of right now I will hatch it in my 55 gallon. Should I purchase?
<What?>
Also it is said the egg is about 2 months old and still sort of soft. Is it
supposed to be this way?
<Mmm, no... all of the "Mermaid's Purses" of this species I have encountered
have been chitonous tough...>
Also would it survive shipping?
<They are shipped... yes>
What should it be shipped like so it can make it? what temp should the egg be
keep around? Thanks
<Best to read on WWM re shipping marine livestock... Insulated, light-tight
boxes, double bagged, oxygenated... Much to state. Bob Fenner>
Zebra Horn Shark (Heterodontus zebra) - 12/12/06
The Zebra Horn Shark (Heterodontus zebra) HAS CAUGHT MY ATTENTION AND VERY
LITTLE IS KNOWN ABOUT THEM!
<http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=746&genusname=Heterodontus&speciesname=zebra>
I currently have a Port Jackson shark
<http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=743>
and was wondering if the two were compatible?
<Mmm, not very... live in differing, though over-lapping thermal regimes>
Also what other info can you tell me about these guys? I currently have a Large
chilled system and know these guys don't swim much if any at all! But am
interested! Also i was going to get a horn shark but hear they are no longer for
sale! Why is that?
<Got me... likely the "season is all over" for the year...>
my tank is kept at avg temp 0f 66 degrees Celsius and my PJ is great! I give him
vitamins and also dip his varied diet in Garlic extract once a week! I try to
keep the food different and close to what he would eat in the wild.
Thanks for all the help and also the support. You guys are like the fish Guru's!
Thanks so Much!
<Mmm, thank you for your kind words... These two Heterodontid species are
compatible behavior-wise, but not environmentally... one's cold to cool water,
the other tropical to cooler... Bob Fenner>
Re: Zebra Horn Shark (Heterodontus zebra) 12/14/06
Hey there! Thanks for the quick response and links!
<Welcome>
I still couldn't determine a suitable temperature for keeping the zebra horn
shark. what would you say is the appropriate temp.?
<The low to upper 70's F.>
Also what size does this usually get in captivity?
<Three feet, a meter or so>
I am expecting no more than 4 feet maybe 5!
<Yes... fishbase states 125 cm. as maximum length>
Also do you have any tips on keeping these animals?
<Mmm, myself... just what I have posted on WWM, our site>
I research anything before purchasing or even accepting fish!
<Good for you, the planet>
I currently let them practically overrun my house with many tanks and different
species! anyways I want to be responsible and care for them as best as I can! I
want to become a marine Biologist and also wanted to ask you if you knew any
good schools for this?
<There are several... and other concerns rather than just academic excellence to
determine which is "best" for you. Which part of the world do you live in?>
I know I ask a lot but i really appreciate your time and patience with me!
Thanks and much respect, Andre
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Heterodontus on the way out, no info. 10/24/06
Hey everyone,
I have a quick question, I have a port Jackson, He has stopped eating, and
just lays on the floor with his mouth wide open.
The other fish are starting to nip at his fins and he doesn't even swim away.
What's wrong ?? please help I am very worried
regards
Adam
<... need useful data... like the make-up of this system, the other species...
You know this is a coldwater shark? Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/portjacksons.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Port Jackson Shark Stopped Eating - 10/25/06
Hi Everyone,
<<Hello Adam>>
Just a quick one, I have a 9-month old Port Jackson, he has been eating
prawns since day one and now he spits them out.
<<Perhaps some variation is called for here>>
The water levels are fine and he is still very active, could he just be
tired of prawns?
<<Maybe so...or maybe something in the system you haven't/can't test for is
out of whack causing the shark to lose its appetite>>
Is this something I should be more worried about?
<<If it continues for long...but may only be a temporary hunger-strike>>
Do you have any suggestions why he is not eating?
<<Is this a chilled system? These are cold-water organisms, keeping in
too-warm waters will certainly be deleterious...do have a read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/portjacksons.htm >>
His 2 dorsal fins have also changed shape like something has been eating
them, could this be possible, only damsels are in the tank?
<<Maybe, though more likely due to problems with water chemistry/stray
electrical current. Make sure you have fresh reliable test kits and assure
your nitrates are not elevated>>
Is this another problem?
<<Sounds like it could be>>
Thank you,
Adam
<<Regards, EricR>>
SHARK QUESTIONS!! Shark comp., Heterodontid sel. 10/1/06
Hey guys! First and foremost thank you for taking the time to read and
answer my questions. I currently have a 240 gallon tank with a sandy bottom,
one large piece of live rock and an 18 inch Brownbanded Bamboo shark. My
questions are how should i build a cave for her and how big should it be?
<Yes to the cave... big enough to easily fit/swim through and rest in...
Maybe twice the diameter, plus, of the shark...>
also my most important question is can it be housed with a 7 inch shark or
will it bite or attack it?
<Mmm, a possibility>
i know keeping 2 sharks in a 240 is a problem due to the amount of waste
they put out, this is a temporary thing while my other tank cycles and i am
afraid the bigger shark will injure or kill the smaller less active one!! I
feed them twice a week and they eat very well.
am not sure if keeping them well fed (offering food no more than twice a
week) would help me keep the bigger shark from biting the smaller one.
<A good risk...>
Can they be housed together or should i divide the tank so the little guy
can be safe.
<I'd separate if easy to do>
Also on your page it says to avoid the California Horn sharks offered.
Why is that?
<Posted... mainly that the principal species offered, Heterodontus francisci
is a cool/cold water species... that folks too often try to keep in tropical
settings... Second that it's attempted almost always in too-small settings>
please help me find an answer to my questions. This site is great i spent
some serious time reading through these articles and it is very helpful.
Thank you so much in advance!!
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Port Jackson and? Coldwater/shark systems 9/16/06
Hi everyone,
<Adam>
Great site, Just a quick question, I have a port Jackson in my tank, and i
know its difficult to have coral and a shark in the same tank, but, They
have been living quite well together for 6 months, what i want to know is do
you think the power heads have a bad effect on the shark, if so is there any
thing else i can use instead?
thanks
Adam
<Posted... please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharksystems.htm
and the linked files above. No way to tell how much you actually know from
what you've posted here... Do read over the article, FAQs on Heterodontids
as well. Bob Fenner>
Tang and Shark Problems 9/8/06
Hi Bob,
<Hi, Chris with you tonight>
I was hoping you could advise me on any steps I could take to prevent or
dissuade my sailfin tang from nipping the fins of my Port Jackson shark.
<Not compatible species for a variety of reasons, primarily that Port
Jackson sharks are not from tropical temperate.>
I have tried providing Nori for the tang to nibble on, although this only
provides a temporary remedy. I would very much like to keep both animals.
<Not possible more that short term.>
The other inhabitants are a stingray and Flagtail cod which do not seem to
get picked on by the tang.
<Hope it is a big tank, those are some big fish.>
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Regards,
Joe.
<Chris>
Port Jackson with sleeping fish... Not joking? Not reading -
09/03/06
Hey everyone,
<Adam>
Just a quick one for you all, I have recently added a port Jackson to my tank,
<A cool/cold water animal...>
He is great but I'm a bit worried, He is extremely active at night and my clown
fish
<Not compatible>
have a bad habit of falling asleep in the corner of the tank rather than in the
Anenome
<Ditto>
I have for them, do you think I should be worried???
<Yes... these animals are all likely soon to be dead>
They have been together for about 2 weeks so far with no real problems, I keep
the PJ fed (by hand I might, add he is like a dog) but I don't want to
overfeed/leave food in the tank for ammonia reasons, Any suggestions?
Thanks
Adam
<Read:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/portjacksons.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Port Jackson Sharks and Reef Tanks. Not 8/29/06
Hi everyone,
<Hi>
Just a quick question, I have a Port Jackson and I know its very difficult to
have both a PJ and coral in the one tank, However I think the tank is big enough
(8x3x3) <Not really for a shark that can get 4 feet long.>, what my question is
the Jackson seems to dislike the anemone. I have in the tank for my clown fish
he has learned to stay away from it, my question is if I have lots of anemones
in my tank to keep the shark away from the coral and live rock is that ok? <No>
Will it hurt the shark? <Might> Do you think it will be enough to keep him away
from the rocks? <No>
Thanks
Adam
<Port Jackson sharks are not tropical species, usually found in cooler waters,
mid to upper 60s. Long term survival is doubtful if kept in a tropical
environment. Please read
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/portjacksons.htm for more.>
<Chris>
Heterodontid on the skids, no useful data 7/29/06
Hi Bob Fenner
I have a juv port Jackson shark with the same problem like Victoria brims of
Sydney NSW Australia posted on the 7/27/05.
Am wondering if the Epson
<Epsom, not the printer company>
salts help or not.
<Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/portjacksons.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Re: PJ Shark like Victoria brims Sydney NSW ... Much more useful info.
7/31/06
Hi
I have the heterodontid on the skids, no useful data
My name's Nev I'm from highlands pets & produce Emerald QLD Australia. I'm sorry
for the lack of information. I've had the shark two weeks tomorrow, sent to my
shop by mistake with my last order. He is 22cm in length so I've put him in to a
6x2x2 tank, red sea coral sand, two Eheim power heads, no rock, four Fluval 405
canisters and a red sea Prizm skimmer xl. I now know I know very little about
sharks after reading on this site. His problem is raped in a circle to the left
now on the floor, <?... this is the position, posture this animal has taken I
take it>
still eats well but when he tries to swim he rolls on to his back.
<Not good... but may be "just young"... This is a Heterodontus zebra? Is it in a
chilled system?>
I'm using the Epsom salts & I've removed all the sand & the two power heads from
the tank in case it is one of them. I've
all so change all of his water today. He's been like this from Friday. He looks
to be a little better now, my supplier thinks he may have had a stroke would
this be true.
<Mmm, stress likely, but a stroke? Not>
Sorry his water is good at 8.3ph, amm 0,nitrite 0, nitrate 0,temp 19/20
deg/chiller will be here today.
<Good... this will likely put this fish aright>
Food is krill & squid once a day. If you can shine some light on my problem
would be great, will keep reading more on your site.
thanks Nev
<This little shark's troubles are likely stress and cumulative effects from a
too-warm environment. Chilling the water will likely cure all here in time. I
would provide an adequate size "plastic pipe" or such for it to get out of view,
the light... Bob Fenner>
Re: PJ Shark like Victoria brims Sydney NSW 7/31/06
Hi bob
<Nev>
Just writing to say thanks for the advise.
He is a port Jackson so I'm told (but they said he'd had a stroke to). I have
kept him cold should I keep him colder.
<Do see fishbase.org for species identification and natural temperature range
for this individual... You can view the nominal species by looking up the whole
family: Heterodontidae
Here's the Port Jackson:
http://fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=743&genusname=Heterodontus&speciesname=portusjacksoni>
Anyway will write soon to tell how he is thanks.
Nev
Highlands Pets & Produce
Emerald QLD Australia
<Wishing you and this shark the best, Bob Fenner>
Port Jackson Shark...Substrate...Lack Of Research - 07/27/06
Hi guys,
<And gals.>
Great site,
<Thank you.>
I have a 4x2x2 saltwater tank, how much reef sand (CaribSea aragonite) should I
have in it? is 40lbs (1" evenly spread) enough? Keeping in mind I will be
putting a Port Jackson in the tank.
<Really doesn't matter how much aragonite you put in the tank as this shark
isn't going to be spending much time there anyway. In my opinion, a minimum
tank size of 1000 gallons is required along with an excellent filtration system.
Do not believe you have researched this fish, but it does grow to a length of
five feet and is recommended for expert care level only. I don't believe you
fall into this category, wanting to put this fish in a 120 gallon tank. >
Regards
<And to you. James (Salty Dog)>
Adam
Port Jackson Shark, comp. sys. 7/16/06
Hey guys great site.
<Thanks, but next time please use proper capitalization/grammar, makes our job
much easier.>
First of all I have a custom corner tank 5x4x4 I built my self at the moment it
has a big blue tang an a yellow one (3"), lionfish(4"), a small clown trigger
(2"), 2 big tomato clown fish(3") , and a emperor angel(3").
All is good at the moment there are a couple pieces of coral and about 20kgs of
live rock but there is a fair bit of open "lay about" area. I really want to get
myself a baby port Jackson,
1st of all I have heard ports don't like power heads in the tank, this true?
<The electrical current will wreak havoc with their ability to move around the
tank.>
Will it eat the other fish (even the clowns)?
<Probably, if it can catch it and fit it in its mouth it will probably eat it.>
Will the clown trigger once it gets big be my biggest problem, will it hurt the
shark? <Has happened before.>
Can the port and the other fish all live in the same temp. water?
<No>
What else should I know?
<Lots, too much to list here. Please read the listings on WetWeb and pick up
Scott Michael’s "Sharks and Rays" for more. Keeping sharks is not to be taken
lightly.>
Help please I really want this shark but I also want to keep my tank the way it
is. <Not possible.>
Thanks for your help keep up the good work.
Regards Adam, Sydney Australia
<Welcome>
<Chris>
Open Sore on Horn Shark 3/4/06
Hello I have a 1 yr old Horn Shark and just last week i noticed an open sore
on his front right fin. I figured one of the other sharks might have bit him,
but then today i saw an it was bleeding a little bit, he's breathing normally
and swimming only when some walks by to feed him. Could you please tell me what
it is and how could i treat this.
Thank You
<... Mmm, depends on the cause... if "just a bite", it will likely heal... Given
the system is fine (large enough, filtered, chilled...). If it has progressed to
an infection... See WWM re: The sections on Shark Disease, Port Jackson and
Coldwater Sharks. Bob Fenner>
Re: Open Sore on Horn Shark... Non-native speaker? - 03/05/06
thank you, the tank i have is a 300 gallon, and i have a wet dry and a UV
and a protein skimmer rated for 600 gallons, i don't have a chiller but my water
is at 69 degrees, i believe that's ok right cause in scott Michaels book it says
horn shark can stay in temperatures from 65 to 70 degrees.
<Should be fine>
i contacted the natl aquarium in Baltimore and one person said to put iodine
on the fin, idont know if i should or not.
<I would not... unless you have cause to otherwise restrict, handle this animal.
The further stress, possible physical trauma is not worth it. Please fix your
English before sending correspondence... Bob Fenner>
Re: Open Sore on Horn Shark 3/17/06
Thank You,
I contacted the Nat'l aquarium in Baltimore and they told me to put iodine on
the wound every other day, so I did. Also I treated the water with
Mela
fix. the wound stopped bleeding and it looks as if skin is growing back. All
this was last week, this mourning she was real dark in color and had two pale
patches close to the pectoral fin. It wouldn't even take food from me
today. The water quality is all normal, and nobody at any LFS could tell me
what was wrong.
thank you
<... likely poisoned... by the Iodine, "Fix"... Perhaps also stressed from the
handling...
Bob Fenner>
Port Jackson Shark... eye trouble... lack of useful info. - 1/6/06
My port Jackson seems to have some type of growth on its eye? Any ideas as
to what it is or how I can remove it? All the LFS suggest either rubbing it
of with a finger or rag,
<No>
medicating the whole tank (penicillin?),
<Negative>
to actually putting Neosporin on the eye? None of those seem logical or safe
for my shark/ tank mates. Any ideas would be great.
<... Is this a Heterodontus francisci? What re its system, tankmates, history of
husbandry, water quality, nutrition... Bob Fenner>
Re: important port Jackson questions 1/11/06
Will it hurt a shark if I put Neosporin on its eye? It has a bacteria eye
infection? or will to go away by itself?
<... I would not apply this material to a sharks eye... If you can discern the
root cause/s of the eye opacity/injury... I'd solve them. Have you read re shark
systems, heterodontids on WWM? Bob Fenner>
Re: important port Jackson questions - 01/12/2006
Bob,
<Bill>
I have read re shark systems, heterodontids on WWM. I am just looking for the
solution to my port Jacksons eye. The whole eye appears to be cloudy.
The sharks behavior is as follows: he still eats like nothing is wrong, however
all he seems to do it just lie there.
<Par for these species...>
Usually he is swimming about. I rearranged the rocks a few days ago and his eye
was messed up the
following day. I assume he scraped it on a rock?!?
<If unilateral... one-sided... likely so...>
Thank you for your time. I just want to get him all fixed up.
Bill
Re: important port Jackson questions - 01/12/2006
Bob,
You said that you would not put Neosporin on my sharks eye. Is the because it
would not work or would it cause water problems?
<Both. Topicals can be applied to chondrichthyous fishes eyes for some
maladies... but in this case, providing a good environment, nutrition is about
the best/only means I'd advise... Chilled, large quarters, no discernible
organics, use of vitamins... Bob Fenner>
Re: important port Jackson questions... learning to use WWM -
01/12/2006
Bob,
<Bill>
Thank you for you your reply. So time its self, vitamins and good water quality
will be all my shark needs for his eye to clear up? What type of
vitamins and which is the best method to give them?
<... this is posted... on WWM... please learn to/use the indices, search tool
there>
Sorry to keep asking the same question over and over, I just want to make sure I
do this right and my shark gets better.
Bill
<Please. Bob Fenner>
Protoreastor linckii Star vs. Port Jackson Shark
I have a Protoreastor linckii and my Port Jackson decided he would like to
bite off the rip of his arm. Will this grow back, will it get infected, what
should I do with the star fish? <Only under ideal water conditions will the arm
grow back to its original shape.> Would it hurt to put it in the sump pump
(which has some nice rocks in it) for a little while? <I'd get it out of harms
way. Its not a good match to start with as the Port Jacksons like 60 degree
water temperatures whereas the starfish comes from tropical waters.> Another
quick question
I have is that all of the sudden my sump pump (Rio 2100) is pumping water
back into the tank faster than water drains to the sump, and ideas? Nothing
appears to be blocked. <Put a gate valve on your output to allow adjustment of
the output. James (Salty Dog)>
Thanks, Bill <You're welcome>
Port Jackson, Leopard Eel 12/14/05
Hi,
<Hello>
I have read quite a lot of info. from your site and have gained a great deal of
knowledge. So for that I am very grateful.
<Me too>
I actually live in Sydney Australia where there are a large number of Port
Jackson sharks swimming around all over the place.
<Neat>
My son actually went fishing last week and in a few hours caught (and threw back
in) around 20 Port Jackson Sharks. They are pretty much everywhere here. Anyway,
I have recently (about 4 months ago) got involved in marine aquariums after 20
years of keeping tropical fresh water fish) and now have a 5 x 2 x 2 (140gal)
tank which houses a variety of corals and small marine fish such as a blenny,
dwarf angel, small tang, cardinal, banded shrimp and a pair of clowns. I also
have 3 x( 4' x 18" x 18" ) 65 gallon tanks. 1 has a 14" zebra eel, one has a 10"
port Jackson and the other is a quarantine tank. I have just setup (or in the
middle of doing so) a 7' long by 2.5' deep by 2' high (250 gal) tank. Which will
have a substrate of crushed coral using a plenum cavity, a 42 gal trickle filter
/ sump with a 1100 gal pump, a 400gal per hour biological canister filter, and 2
large protein skimmers (one in the sump and one at the other end of the tank).
Also connected is a 30watt UV filter and a 1/2hp chiller as well as two 500W
heaters in the sump. Inside the tank will be about 60 - 80 pounds of live rock
at one end the hide the overflow and setup a few small cave areas. Most of the
tank will have no obstructions at all to allow maximum swimming area. Now the
question. I have read that the Port Jackson shark rarely grows more than
32inches in captivity even though they can get to over 5' in the ocean.
<Okay>
The plan is to put the PJS and the eel in the 250gal tank and also add a rather
large (about 9 inch) lion fish. I have been told that If I keep the temperature
between 74 - 78 (24 - 25 Celsius) then this will be fine for both the shark and
the other 2 fish. I was thinking later if all went well to add a 8 inch angel
and 7 inch blue tang to add a bit of colour and movement in the tank. Does this
all sound feasible. I am looking to do it in the next 2 weeks and your expertise
would be invaluable.
Thanks in advance
Kevin Charles Sturgiss
<Always a possibility of predation with the shark, possibly (depending on
species... there are a few "leopard eels") with the moray, but all and all
sounds like a very nice tank and workable stocking plan. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
HI Dragon Eel and PJ Shark 8/7/05
Good Afternoon Mr. Bob Fenner,
<Sunday late AM now...>
Your articles about the marine creatures are very helpful. I have searched
your site and can't find much about the beautiful Hawaiian dragon eel and the
port Jackson shark.
<Not that much I know re these species>
I have a 300 gallon tank with live rocks (a lot) and fish only and the smallest is about 4". I have a white spotted bamboo shark 2 feet long, wrasses, large angels, tangs, large parrot fishes, Catalufa, Dwarf lion, hawk, Hogs, long nose butterfly, Tassle file, unicorn, and Moorish idol. I have
all this fish for about 5 1/2 years now and they are all doing great and healthy. Yes, I am very fortunate to have Moorish Idol, Regal Angel, Parrot fishes, yellow tail coris wrasse, Tassle file which are all rated as hard to take care in Scott Michaels marine book for 5 1/2 years now. it is not easy and
it requires so much time and work to maintain delicates. My white spotted bamboo is very docile.
<Good>
My question: Does the HDE and PJS will be compatible with my fishes?
<Uhh, no... both these animals will eat your other fishes...>
Do they
just swallow fishes that will fit in to their mouth, and if so, what is the biggest fish that they can swallow? Do they attack large fishes and then tear
them into pieces before eating it?
<Both swallow and bite pieces...>
Please,
e-mail me ASAP. I have the opportunity to have both fishes for a very reasonable price, but even then, I want to know more about these two
fishes before
putting it on my system. Also, I don't want to jeopardize my fishes that's been
with me for almost 5 1/2 years now.
Thanks so much for your help and for your time. Please response ASAP. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Mark
<Again... I would not add these fishes, nor likely any more livestock to this
system. Bob Fenner>
Buoyancy problem with juvenile PJ shark 7/24/05
Hi Bob, Great site!
I have a fairly urgent question. I've got a number of port Jackson juveniles
(7-10 weeks old). Yesterday one of them began floating upside down, swimming
frantically in circles, and he can not stay down. I have tried massaging his
belly lightly and straightening him out (as this has worked for PJs I have had
in the past) to no avail. I moved him to a shallow tank on his own but even
this is not helping. I recently had a crested horn shark baby die after having
the same problem for several weeks. What can you suggest and what is causing
this?
<Frightening... do you know how these animals were collected? There are some
enteric problems this might be... so my first, easiest suggestion is to
administer Epsom salt to the water (a level teaspoon per ten gallons of system>
I can only assume he has gulped air at the surface and can't expel it.
<Maybe... but doubtful. Much more likely some sort of food decomposing within
the animal... hopeful the magnesium sulfate will "move it". Bob Fenner>
Thanks Bob
Victoria Brims
Department of Biological Sciences
Macquarie University
Sydney NSW 2109
Re: buoyancy problem with juvenile PJ shark 7/26/05
Thanks Bob. I will give that a try.
We had the eggs (laid by captive adults) and hatched them all between 7 and
10 weeks ago.
<I see>
The only reason I assumed it was swallowed air was that we also
have a couple of airlines bubbling in the tank and they sometimes swim through
and over those bubbles. To remedy this I have since covered the airlines with
pvc pipe so that now they only serve to break the surface tension and the baby
PJ can not swim through them.
<Good technique>
I have moved the PJ that was struggling to a
shallower tank where he seems to have settle a bit, but I can see that it is
still an effort for him to stay down.
<Trouble>
Also, in some of our others, they sit with their tails arched upward at
times...is this normal?
<Can be... that is, I've seen similar instances with the common heterodontid off
the Ca. coast... in captive juveniles>
Thanks for the advice, I'll give the Epsom salt a go right away. They are
kept in natural seawater, that won't make a difference will it?
Regards,
Victoria
<Shouldn't, but there are times when artificially reducing specific gravity a
few thousandths apparently acts as a cathartic... Bob Fenner>
Victoria
Re: Patience With Sharks? Or not. 5/7/05
have you ever keep these sharks, are they easy to take
care of. thanks
<After several messages and your last reply stating your intent to hold off on
getting sharks, you give me cause for concern. In answer... yes, I have kept
these and several types of sharks. I presently have a 1000 gall chilled pond for
a single small pair of Heterodontus. Are they easy... not especially. Not are
they especially difficult either. Please resist buying any sharks unless you
have the needed space for them and the money/time to support them. Anthony>
- Port Jackson Shark Ill -
I hope you can help My port Jackson is sick.
<I will do my best.>
He has not eaten in four days, Here is what happened, I can't figure it out. I have had him about three months
now. On Sunday night I fed him like usual, then in the morning he was laying on his side and it has been getting worse.
Now he swims or more slides in a circle on his side on the bottom of the tank. The water tests fine
Ammonia 0, Nitrate 0, Nitrite 0, SG 125, Temp 65, I don't know what to do. Should I force feed him today since its been four days since he last ate? <I would not bother with food at this time... sharks can go a long while without food, and at this point it's more important to deal with whatever is
affecting this shark. Do make a quick check for external contaminants as well as any pumps and/or heaters that may be in the tank with the shark - these should be removed to your sump and away from the shark. For the possibility of contaminants, run a PolyFilter in your filtration path and see if it changes to any of the indicative colors... renew as necessary.>
Please help oh and he is still in the 280 I was going to move him this week to the 550 too, what should I
do?
<I would hold off on the move until the condition is stabilized. Cheers, J -- >
- Housing a Port Jackson Shark -
I have asked you questions before and you are great your site is the best, I just built the tank for my port
Jackson its 450 gallons I am going to run a wet dry with 10000 bio balls, fluidized bed filter and a huge venturi skimmer I am going to run to
Mag 5 for the fluidized filter and the de nitrator I have a 3500gph pump to run everything else is this
to much flow I am unsure so I thought I would ask also is that enough filtration also I was thinking of a refugium with mangroves what do you think?
<I didn't see anything in there about a chiller - these sharks are not tropical and without a chiller will live very short lives. I'd hate to see you set all this up and not get to keep the shark for very long. Please invest in a chiller before you start worrying about mangroves. Once you've got that ironed out, a refugium with mangroves sounds very nice but probably won't produce the foods this animal needs to thrive. Refugiums are very useful for most aquaria but are more applicable on reef and fish only systems - for a shark system, they would assist in water quality, but really your wet/dry filter will be the star of the show [read as most useful].>
Thanks
Tony
<Cheers, J -- >
- Pacing Port Jackson -
I purchased a port Jackson shark from my LFS yesterday and he is swimming up
and down the sides of the tank pocking his nose out of the water, He lives in a
280 oceanic with skimmer wet dry and a canister filter. Water is 77f ammonia 0
nitrite 0 nitrate 0 ph 8.2 sg 124 what would cause the shark to do this he just
goes up and down until he gets tired then sits on the bottom please help. <This
is a cool water shark, and you're keeping it at tropical temperatures. You need
to invest in a chiller now or prepare to lose this animal. More reading for you
here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/coolh20sharks.htm >
Thanks
Tony
<Cheers, J -- >
- Port Jackson Shark -
Bob
Great web site. I'll make it short and sweet. I have a Port Jackson Shark and
I know they are more of a cool water shark. I cannot get the temperature below
74 degrees and sometimes it gets to 76 degrees. Should I get a chiller, is this
too warm for him. <I would give a very emphatic yes and yes. Considering that
I've photographed this shark in water that was in the mid 60's... 74/76 is much
too warm.> He seems to be doing quite well. <"Seem" being the operative word...
being a cold blooded animal, what is going on behind the veil of seeming is that
its metabolism is increased by the higher water temperatures. Because I'm in a
movie line quoting mode today, I'll give you one - "The candle that burns twice
as bright burns half as long."> I have had him for about two months and he is
looking good. <Fish are not at all like the mammals we typically encounter
[people, dogs, cats, etc.] Fish can often "seem" to be in perfect health and be
dead an hour later. Please... purchase the chiller.>
Thanks
Tom
<Cheers, J -- >
- Port Jackson Shark, Follow-up -
Tom, my apologies but given that I hadn't had enough coffee when I answered
your question, I must offer this clarification: I have not photographed this
shark. I got muddled up with the Horned Shark which I do have photos of. That
being said, my advise still holds - given the distribution of this shark which
is pretty much southern Australia, the water there rarely gets above 70 degrees,
and that's in the dead of summer. Most times the water there is much cooler -
you really, really need that chiller.
Cheers, J -- <<Actually Jas, this may well be (actually almost assuredly is)
the same species, Heterodontus francisci... called by both names in the trade,
though there are two other heterodontids from elsewhere also called Port
Jacksons... occurs off of and captured from California. RMF>>
Horn Sharks 7/16/03
Hi (whoever is on shift)!
<Anthony Calfo in your service>
I have been entranced and amazed by all sorts of sharks for as long as I can
remember. I read whole books and facts I could get on 'em. Recently however, my
aunt got a fish tank. When I saw the fish I immediately fell in love with the
whole idea. So now, I want to provide a home for a horn shark. I have researched
them for months and I have just found a great tank manufacturer. They sell glass
tanks very cheap. Now for my first question: What type of horn shark (I've read
there is 3 for home aquariums) would you suggest for me?
<The H. francisci is most common an least expensive. Ships the best
domestically and can be acquired small. There are some zoos even breeding these
in great numbers>
Will one of the species you suggest do fine in a 280 gallon with just sand and
maybe a small cave or rock fixture (with dimensions of
72"x30"x30")?
<for a couple of years... but know that they still reach about 3 feet in
length. A 6 foot tank would not be right for the over 2 year plan>
I know this is slightly less than you recommend. I know they need the water to
be around 70 degrees for them to be both moving and comfortable.
<70F is really the high end of their ideal range: higher metabolism and
shorter life for it>
I still need to find out what they eat, and how often though.
<a lot of echinoderms in their natural diet. Squid and shell-on shrimp are
recommended too. Ocean Nutrition makes a vitamin enriched Shark Formula...
recommended>
It would be great if you could give me some pointers. I would love a shark tank,
but I don't want to be cruel to these wonderful creatures. Thanks a
million in advance, Ryan
<do look into joining the national Elasmobranch society, and read Scott
Michael's Sharks and Rays if you haven't done so already... comb through his
references too in the book for suppliers, information sites and more. Best of
luck, Anthony>
Horn sharks
I wanted to know what can a horn shark live with in an aquarium.
<Other cool/coldwater organisms that it can't or won't eat... Please take a
read through www.WetWebMedia.com using the search term "Horn Shark",
and get your hands on Scott Michael's recently redone shark book... will save
you a good deal of money and grief. Bob Fenner>
California Shark Dreaming
Hi again! I'm still going after my crazed 900+220=shark tank +
tidepool/bait tank. Due to its size, it would have to be outside, and
in SoCal, during summer I don't think I could get the tank below 70, even if I
bypassed a chiller to servicing only the main tank on its own separate loop,
disconnected from the filter system.
<Could be done... with adequate chilling, insulation... but expensive>
This filter setup goes overflow-floss/pad-carbon-skimmers (built from pre-made
skimmer powerheads to avoid airstones with 3' tubes) - fluidized bed filter-wet
dry (to reoxygenate) - refugium-chiller-shark[s]. I was thinking of
having a rotating box where the output from the wet-dry would fill it up until
it dumped its water into the tidepool, where it would be slowly sucked away by
the chillers and back into the tank. is this feasible?
<Yes... a few design possibilities here... surge systems, spill-over cammed
buckets... but I wouldn't do this. Not enough to be gained for the trouble,
added gear, exposure>
I am hoping it will simulate waves better, and make the tidepool animals more
comfortable.
<Our defunct businesses designed, fabricated and installed such systems...
mainly for public aquariums and zoos... not hard to do, but require careful
planning, upkeep>
in the main tank for substrate I am hoping to have
mostly beach sand (NOT silica) with some refugium mud and rocks at one for a
small macro algae forest, also a large cave for the shark[s] to hide in, or
maybe the removable-panel idea from the archives. in the tidepool, a
few large rock slabs as the main substrate, with lots of rock and large gravel
in the rest to best simulate the tidepool substrate. I am looking at
1-2 H. francisci, with something to stir the sand, any recommendations on what
to stir with or sand bed depth would be appreciated. another option in 2 swell
and a guitarfish or stingray.
<The Heterodontus will keep the upper substrate moved around themselves>
would either of these be sufficient for stirring the sand with the 2 horns, or
is the bioload too much?
<I would start with the Horned Sharks, test the water for accumulating
metabolites and add other livestock in a few months>
(I'm worried about the crowding, the FBF is going to be enough for 1500 with
only 1150 to filter (the extra 30 from all the chillers, piping, skimmers, etc.) in
the 220, I'm wide open: Nudibranchs, cucumbers, anemones, octopi, crabs, snails,
I know that I really want a small school of Catalina gobies, they are just too
cool! what are the regulations on Garibaldi?
<Can't be collected from the U.S. coast, but of all things... can be from
Baja... and are... and sold in foreign countries. Have your dealer contact the
L.A. wholesalers (likely Quality Marine) and ask re their purchase>
is it illegal to keep them? do you know any legal places to collect
(lightly, over a period of 8-10 months) from tidepools? also, what
can I keep as a janitorial crew with the sharks? I figure I would
lose crabs, snails, small lobster, etc. quickly. would I just be in
for a lot of manual labor?
<The last>
also, I would be going to college, possibly as far away as Maryland (presently)
a couple years after setup of the tank, right now my #1 choice is Humboldt
state, in Arcata, CA.
<A very fine school, esp. for fisheries.>
They have a private aquarium area with a large amount of tanks, so
I'm hoping I can overnight the sharks with a battery air pump running a skimmer
(about 5) if not, how can I accomplish the 8+ hour transport?
<Can be shipped in large Styrofoam boxes in a large truck... with airstones,
or if sharks are large (a few feet in length) with 12V fluid-moving pumps... (or
if very large sharks with them anesthetized and these pumps recirculating water
through their mouths...>
I am terribly afraid of temperature stress. I also had problems
deciphering the transporting sharks section of the site, any help would be
appreciated. Right now I am thinking of using one of the transformers
that turn a car outlet into 110v AC to power a chiller, air pump, and maybe the
FBF.
<Not worth trying to run the/a chiller in transit... you can float containers
with ice/cubes if there is very warm weather>
is current required for transporting large (for aquarium sharks at
least) 3'-5' sharks? also, depending on location, the tank may need
to be 8x5x3 instead of 10x4x3 LxWxH which would you say is
preferable?
<Either will do for Horn Sharks... Anthony's Brother in law has some in an
eight by system... in Pittsburgh!>
recommendations for supplements needed, water movement, pump styles/names,
brands, etc. would be greatly appreciated. For the water coming out
of the tidepool, a "wavemaker"
<Not necessary. Can run unidirectionally, fine>
which turns the powerheads 3 min on, 3 min off would take it out, with either a
regular waterfall or the swinging box putting it in, so the water level would go
up and down, hopefully simulating the waves as best I can. also, what should the
stand be made of?
<Either four bys tied together with carriage bolts (for ease of disassembly)
and braced in all dimensions, or welded steel, powder-coated...>
I am DIY most of the project, and I can't make a steel stand overlaid with wood,
which I just learned after reading the site. can you get me in
contact with the guy who has the H. francisci in the 800? http://www.wetwebmedia.com/coldshkfaqs.htm
fourth and fifth questions from the bottom.
<Will cc Anthony here>
I would like to learn the specs of his setup, and what kind of plant
he has in his "forest" as well as his maintenance routine, and where
he obtained the shark.
Sorry for the essay of Q's!
Robert
<No worries. DO your homework as thoroughly as you have time, patience for.
Bob Fenner>
An albino port Jackson shark
The below link is to a short article about an
leucistic "albino" shark. A funny error in one of the
first lines of the article though:
"As adults, they reach a maximum of just three or four
feet and feed on a variety of crustaceans such as
oysters, mussels and crabs."
Heehee... what wrong with this sentence boys and
girls? :)
<Har! Am feeding Harry (shell nut friend formerly of Amgen) and Kate (a
vivacious diver-employee of Big Island Divers... as other friends are out with
their wives for a romantic do...) a real crustacean (local palinurid from diving
last night). Bob>
Ant-
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/innews/specialyellow2004.html
