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Freshwater fishBlack Tip Shark
Black Tip Shark
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The black tip shark is also called the white tip shark, and the names are so mixed up we felt compelled to list this fish under both names. The brackish black tip shark is also called the Colombian shark after the Amazon basin from which it originates. These fish can handle fresh, brackish and even full saltwater tanks.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Ariopsis seemanni (formerly Arius jordani) |
| Origin | Pacific coast of Central and South America (Mexico to Peru) |
| Care Level | Moderate (needs brackish water as it matures) |
| Temperament | Peaceful schooler; eats small fish |
| Adult Size | Up to 12–14" |
| Lifespan | 10+ years |
| Diet | Carnivore (meaty foods, pellets) |
| Water Temperature | 72–80°F |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| Group Size | Does best in a group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 2–4" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Colombian sharks are active schoolers that need lots of swimming space and strong filtration. Juveniles can live in fresh or lightly brackish water, but as they mature (over about 5 inches) they need brackish water, rising to a specific gravity of about 1.010–1.015; many keepers eventually move them to full marine. Keep a lid on the tank.
Feeding: Feed sinking carnivore pellets once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like shrimp and bloodworms.
Tankmates: Keep them with other brackish fish that are too large to swallow, such as monos, scats and larger archerfish. Their fin spines are venomous, so handle them with care.
Good to know: Colombian sharks are catfish with venomous fin spines. They are true brackish fish and do poorly long-term in pure freshwater.
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