Red Tailed Shark Unhealthy. WHY?????

Question

My Freind has a large tank which contians two beta (I know, but they don't bother anyone) four babies, one goldfish, and a red tailed shark. She was unable to keep the shark inside the tank, so i took it for her, as well as a baby fish. The baby seems healthy and enjoys teasing my cat, but the shark is very pale, has a next-to-clear tail, and like to hide in his plastic catsle. I know their shy, but why is he so pale? The water is about 77 fahrenheit, so what's the problem, could the tank possibly be to small, it is smaller that my freind's. HELP!!!!????

Answer 1

I would say giv him several days to a week to settle in. Be sure you are at first giving him the same food your friend was as well. This will help him adjust faster.

MM

Answer 2

Red tailed sharks do best in 10 or larger gallon tanks it could also be stress from the cat and i do know that stress will cause a lot of health issues

Answer 3

he is definatly sick. when fish hide like that its because they are ill usualy, and with the paleness and color loss he is definatly sick. contact a fish store ASAP and ask them what meds to give it, or find a book to find out before its too late. your tank may not have been ready to accept fish, adding larger fish to a fresh tank can result in illness, as they excrete into the water if there is not good bacteria in the tank eating that junk or if your filter is not working right or working yet, as they sometimes take time to be affective that can also cause illness. contact a fish/pet store immediatly!!! good luck!

Answer 4

How long have you had the shark? Sometimes it takes them a couple days to adjust to new conditions. Also did you acclimate the new fish to your tank before releasing them into their new enviroment?