irridesant sharks whith cychlids

Question
Hi, i just bought two irridesant sharks to go with my convicts and red joul cychlids in a 37 gallond tank, i thought that they would go good together the only problem is that one of them is getting piked on and has really taken a beating and im not sure what to do anymore. Please help!

Answer
Hi Michael!

Well, Iridescent Sharks are usually able to get along with SEMI- aggressive fish. Unfortunately, both your Jewels and Convicts are very aggressive fish. If I were to pick the fish I think is mostly likely doing almost all the picking, it would be the convicts....Then next would be Jewels. Convicts are mean little snots, well, they aren't REALLY mean, they are just territorial fish that will not tolerate neighbors on their property in the form fof your recently added sharks. Convicts are known to be able to have an Oscar cichlid more than twice their own size, cowering in the corner. It gets even worse when Convicts have paired up and are spawning. In my opinion, Convicts should have an aquarium to themselves. I am not against these fish at all.  They are facinating and beautiful, I use to own two little babies, but I had to give them to a petstore because of their aggression and for tank space.

Jewels are aggressive too, but not as much as the Convicts. Convicts anyway, are best kept with other convicts or with your Jewels, as long as THEY live together just fine.

I also wanted to note about Iridescent sharks--. There isn't a set size for them I don't think because different sources say different sizes! One source claims 3-4 feet! While aqualandpetsplus.com says they had a school of sharks in a 600 gallon pond--Did every day 300 gallon water changes and no shark grew bigger than 18 inches! Take your pick I guess. I have honestly never owned one long enough to know how large they will grow. But they have great potential to outgrow your aquarium rapidly and I think it's best since they are getting picked on badly as it is and will outgrow your 37 gallon....That you should either plan for a larger tank very soon, or give them back to the petstore. I hate being  the bearer of bad news. But the truth hurts sometimes unfortunately... :(

~*Sorry for all the bad news.... hope you decide what's best to do for your problem. And I hope I was of some help to you. If you have anymore questions on anything, just email me again! I am more than happy to help you out all I can, Michael!

Wishing you the very best!~
take care and happy fishkeeping!
Karen~