Shark & Ray Pond + 300g Aquarium

[griseum]

I have not shared anything in quite some time, so I took some short videos while feeding both the Shark Pond and the 300 gallon Aquarium, yesterday. Having been EXTREMELY busy the past 4 or 5 months, I finally had some time to focus on the 300 for the past few weeks.

There is an assassin in that tank.... if anybody has any insight about which fishing could possibly be, I would really like to know!!!
I've sat and watched the behavior of the fish for hours, up close and at a distance from which the fish could not see me. Other then some chasing by the male Semifasciatus to the other Genicanthus angels in with him, there has been nothing visible to note, Ever!!!
The only reason I even know of the aggression is from the large wounds found on some very hardy and established fish. 3 out of 5 times these injured fish perished before I could catch them and move them to quarantine. Deaths included a very healthy Purple tang, and most recently my African Flameback dwarf angel, both of which were with me for over 3 or 4 years. It doesn't add up at all.....

The cameras auto-focus turned on for about 5 or 10 seconds midway into the video. It refocused quickly and doesn't happen after that. Thanks for any feedback!
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[jalisco]

Very nice! Are the milk crates for environmental stimulation or for you to step on for access?

 

[WilRams]

Awesome! A dream of mine would be to have a saltwater pond.

I was wondering about the milk crates as well.

 

[Jasanden]

At first look at your video I would say the Scats are the culprits . I know as a kid when I had freshwater , Scats could be very aggressive. But in a saltwater environment I'm just not sure. What about the Golden Hawkfish?

 

[Cparcaut]

If you dont see the fish being agressive towards each other, I would look for something sharp that might have fallen into the tank. Something of the sort might be the cause.

 

[griseum]

Very nice! Are the milk crates for environmental stimulation or for you to step on for access?

Thanks!! The crates were originally put in to serve as a "shark-safe" cave, or hiding/sleeping place, for the sharks. They have adapted to captivity very well over the past 4 or 5 years now and have become more active during the day.
In the beginning they were much truer to their nocturnal instincts. So a place for them to pile up on top of each other and sleep while the day-time lights are on was needed.
Coupled with my fear of the Pond liner (x2 now) being perforated by sharp edges of LR and the great strength of an adult shark being able to topple a rock structure or be physically injured by falling, moving or even just rubbing across a jagged edged rock and the crate idea was borne! (I have been told that it does look a bit like the dumpsters behind any big-chain Grocery store. LOL :facepalm: :uhoh2
I don't think they would support my weight and the bottom of the pond is lined with 3 inch thick Styro-Board. But i have no problem wading into the pond for maintenance, or walking on the 2x6's on the perimeter.

Awesome! A dream of mine would be to have a saltwater pond.

I was wondering about the milk crates as well.

Thanks !! The pond is a lot of work and maintenance, especially when first built and being plumbed, working out the kinks (or Leaks!) Many large floods have been experienced... always a treat to wake up to an inch or two of Saltwater in your entire basement!! Not!! haha. But with the help of an Apex and its modules, and a webcam that can be remotely viewed, it is an entirely pleasurable hobby now.

Im amazed by the beauty of these animals. When I really need to relax I just sit and watch the sharks or fish. To some its odd, but I'd hope that who ever is reading this, here on RC, can relate at least!

 

[griseum]

At first look at your video I would say the Scats are the culprits . I know as a kid when I had freshwater , Scats could be very aggressive. But in a saltwater environment I'm just not sure. What about the Golden Hawkfish?

Its ironic that you say that! The Scats were added for two reasons. The first being that they are a shoaling/schooling species of fish. Because of this, I purchased 6 juveniles. They were all intended to go in at the same time, after QT. The two you see in the 300g video passed through QT, 2 juveniles died from an unknown cause and another two are still in QT. They were supposed to be dither fish, hopefully deflecting some of the aggression from the "Assassin".
They also are eaters of dung! And what better reason to have a few Scats in your tank! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scatophagidae)

The Golden Hawk, one of my favorite fish and tons of personality. That one is definitely not a fish to be messed with. He stands his ground to any and all. But I haven't seen him ever try to pick on any other fish. Then again .... I haven't been able to figure out who the bully is!

If you dont see the fish being agressive towards each other, I would look for something sharp that might have fallen into the tank. Something of the sort might be the cause.

Thank you! You raise a great point! I've often wondered if the original rock structure (seen in previous videos I've posted to YouTube) had loose rocks that perhaps were crushing fish between them... The wounds on the fish don't always look like an "open wound" or cut. It's similar to Brooklynella. Like when a Clownfish or a Domino Damsel has the symptom of raised scales along the fish's flank. The wounded fish often look like their scales are raised but in a slightly different way... almost like a rug burn.

When I saw this on the fish that have died, I've removed both that fish, and some of the more obviously aggressive fish like the big male Semifasciatus. I have a large Time-Out box that I put them into, like an Acclimation box or cage. When I've done this, as with the most recent loss, a Flameback angel, the injury fades away. A week or two spent in the box, and I release it back to the tank... and then a few days later it happens again!
I run a lot of UV and QT all incoming fish to the best of my ability, with Cupramine and Prazipro, as well as treating any open sore that may arise in a Hospital/QT with a wide range of Antibiotics and Antifungal meds. But it doesnt help in these cases.... Im at a loss here!

Thanks for your comments and replies. Im open to any input, and any questions too!?!?

 

[griseum]

Now that the flame back is out of the tank I noticed small open wounds on the Bellus angels side towards her tail end. They appeared in less than 24 hours.

I don't know what to make of this.....

I determined that the most obvious aggressor is the large Semi male. Caught him and placed him in an XL acclimation box for now, again.

My Blueface Angel is the biggest fish in the tank, next to the Stripey and Sixbar angel. Yet it hides 99% of the time I'm anywhere near the tank. There's never been aggression between the Blueface, Sixbar and Majestic angels... only the Blueface protects it's sleeping plans hiding spot pretty well.
It's must be something that I'm not witnessing like that...
Could the giant Leather coral cause an inflammatory reaction with a sting or toxin?

 

[moriarty]

I realize it's only been a couple days, but any updates on the 300? Hopefully you have identified the culprit!

Pond is looking great by the way! Have you added more rock since your last video post?

 

[krj-1168]

Awesome Shark & Ray pond

 

[griseum]

KRJ -Thanks! Good to hear from you and see you on here!

Moriarty - Thank you as well! The rock gets moved around. I added about 100 lbs when the female\s were laying eggs, as they like to wrap the eggs around outward projecting edges. They do this, at least I believe, so that they egg/s remain off the sand bed and so that the eggs can receive a 360 degree water flow.
I also move it to and from different tanks. Plus while trying to catch different fish in the 300g, I removed a bunch and put it in temporarily.
I think the problem is the Male Semi Swallowtail. Since I placed it in "timeout" the female Bellus has healed very well and no other injuries have appeared, tank-wide.
How's the pond doing for you these days?