Full Grown GloFish Shark: Size, Appearance, Price & More

The GloFish shark is a unique hybrid fish created by Yorktown Technologies to be colorful and glow under black light.

While fun for aquariums, glofish sharks can grow quite large as adults. This guide will cover everything you need to know about caring for a fully grown glofish shark.

Size at Full Growth

GloFish sharks can reach over 12 inches in length as adults. Their bodies are elongated like regular sharks with a pointy snout. Females tend to be slightly larger than males at full size.

Weight at Full Growth

The average weight of a fully grown glofish shark ranges between 1-2 pounds. Well-fed individuals may exceed 2 pounds, while smaller tanks or poor water conditions could result in slightly smaller weights.

Appearance at Full Growth

As glofish sharks mature, their vibrant coloration remains bright under black lights. Their scales take on a metallic sheen and fin edges may develop striations. Males can be identified by their thicker abdomens compared to females.

Personality at Full Growth

Adult glofish sharks are typically peaceful but can become more aggressive toward similarly sized fish. They are solitary and prefer having their own space in the aquarium. Overcrowding or poor water quality may cause stress or territorial behaviors.

Price

Expect to pay $20-50 for a juvenile glofish shark. Well-established local fish stores may have larger adults available for $50-150 depending on size.

Food/Feeding

Full-grown glofish sharks eat about 1-2 times per day. Offer a varied diet of shrimps, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and algae wafers. Feed them foods they can swallow whole to avoid bloating or constipation issues.

Lifespan

With ideal care conditions, glofish sharks can live 5-7 years on average. Proper water quality maintenance along with a balanced diet are key to maximizing their longevity.

Health at Full Growth

Common health issues for adult glofish sharks include dropsy (organ failure), fin rot, parasites like ich and velvet, malnutrition if not fed correctly. Provide routine partial water changes, monitor water parameters closely, and isolate any sick fish immediately.

Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Growth

Mature glofish sharks require large aquariums of 55 gallons or more with the following care:

• Maintain water temperature around 72-78°F
• Perform 20-30% water changes 1-2 times weekly
• Add aquarium salt for osmoregulation at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons
• Filter the tank with a strong external canister filter for optimal filtration
• Provide hiding places like terra cotta pots or driftwood for stimulation
• Inspect water parameters like pH, ammonia, and nitrites regularly

Costing

Long-term care costs for a fully grown glofish shark include $5-10 per week for quality food, $10-20 monthly for replacing filters and other supplies, potential medicaions if illness occurs which can range from $10-50 depending on the issue.

Possible Behavioral Changes of a Fully Grown

Compared to juveniles, adult glofish sharks may display the following behavior shifts:

• Increased territorial behaviors if tank is too small or overstocked
• Less interactive and more solitary as they mature
• Shyer and less likely to school with other fish species
• Prefers substrate territories over open swimming areas
• May nip at slower fish if hungry or not fed adequately

Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown

Some unique traits of mature glofish sharks include:

• More elongated torpedo-shaped body for streamlined swimming
• Dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins grow fuller and more defined
• Males develop thicker abdomens versus females' slimmer shapes
• Scales take on a lustrous metallic shine under light
• Color remains as vibrant as juveniles when exposed to UV/black lights
• Wider territories are established through subtle displays

Other Tips for Keeping a Mature Glofish Shark

Some final tips for caring for a glofish shark at its full grown size:

• Consider upgrading to at least a 75+ gallon tank as they reach 12 inches
• Add lots of swimming space to encourage exercise and reduce stress
• Provide hiding spaces and plants for resting areas throughout the environment
• Monitor water closely since waste builds up faster in larger tanks
• Isolate any signs of illness or injury immediately
• Handling is not recommended since they can easily injure their fragile skin