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i have a skittshed fish, and i was thinking about putting a sheet over the tank so he doesn't freck out. will this work, since it works with birds.

Why is he like this? What kind of fish is it?
I think you'll need to put some more info about your fishie


If so maybe then I could help, or another good FP member could =p


Angel Eel

the fish is a irrendencet shark(spelling error) He is about 1.2 feet long.

ID sharks are known to do that because they are almost blind.

Also, he is starting to enter his "tankbuster" age so if you dont have him in a tank at least 265 gallons, he will definitally break your tank.

will a sheet over the tank be good, so he doesn't get scared.

no.

The only thing to make this fish less skittish is to release it back to its natural habitat.

cooler water
less feedings
bigger tank

"bigger tank"
I would hold off saying that until you actually find out the size of his tank...

"The only thing to make this fish less skittish is to release it back to its natural habitat."
I don't think that helps him out very much...

I'm not sure if a sheet would help. Sometimes, it makes animals even more nervous because they can't see.

What about making a few more hidey caves. Big ones he can fit in? Like a big terracotta pot that has never been used? Or a teracotta pipe he can hide in and get out either end. Just a thought.

I hated having skittish fish too, felt they were being stressed at times. Usually by people who rush up to the tank and peer in abruptly saying, where is it? Well, it hid from you because you freaked it out you duffer.

Hope you can come up with something, if you have had him/her a while it would be a shame to have to get rid of him.




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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

Giving places to hide might be something, but for this type of fish you want to give plenty of room to swim or he'll knock into everything if you put too many obstructions. However, if enough hiding places are provided, the fish may become more confident. Ironic, ain't it?

However, the key to making schooling fish less skittish is, of course, put it in a school. Your Irridescent Shark is by itself; it would probably feel much better in a school of fish. Of course, the trouble is finding many Irridescents anywhere near that size, as well as being able to afford a tank to maintain a school of fish that can exceed 3' in length each.

Last edited by Shinigami at 17-Mar-2005 21:22

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

the ID sharks will not go and hide in places.

Also, if the fish are skittish, then that means he needs a bigger tank, no matter what size his is.

RIght now, his needs to be around 265 gallons to hold that fish.

In a few months, he will need something like a 300 gallon tank.

And eventually, he will need a 1,000 galon tank to hold the shark.

Could a fish not also be skittish due to say, surroundings, active tankmates, lighting to bright, or even the tank being in a more remote place in the house that is not often freqeunted by people and there for the present of people causes nerviousness????

A big fish like the does need a big tank but thats most likely not the only possible reason for being skittish.

I'd try floating plants on the top, as bright light would most likely hurt the eyes of a fish whom is going blind.
Also very tall plants that border the back and side of the tank may help him feel more secure

Good Luck

ID sharks are notourious for being skittish.

Nothing really helps them, since they are almost blind.

There are lots of different recommendations. Try them out and see how you go.

lighting
floating plants
re arranging decor

all sound good for starters.

Also take a look at tankmates as mentioned above. If you can't get a school happening is there a dither fish?

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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

when he was smaller he got stuck in a decorations, and broke his old tank!! i can't let him go for reasonan't,
been tank raised.
his tank is way to small, but other then getting a new tank, where can i put him.