So I am almost sure most (if not all) aren't "real" sharks, but I am still interesting in getting some... but I am clueless excpet for knowing that bala sharks need a big group and HUGE tank to prevent glass bashing or whatnot. What are some good species that can be had in, maybe a 150 (or smaller?). Are there any that can happily coexist with other fish groups? Any suggestions on maybe a website or book so I can look them up more easily to get info on them? (it's hard to google sharks and not want the marine ones, and I don't know many names to look them up individually).
Freshwater shark profiles?
- Thread starter cideon
- Start date
The first link contains several different species of freshwater sharks. If you click on the shark you want to read about it will bring up a small paragraph telling you more about it. It also list each scientific name so you can search them for more information if you would like. The second link is to a compatibility chart that can give you an idea of what is generally ok to mix and what is not.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=830+888
http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/fwcompatibility_chart.cfm
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=830+888
http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/fwcompatibility_chart.cfm
While there are some sharks that can live in freshwater (Bull and Ganges are two), these are not aquarium fish. The aquarium fish marketed as sharks are either Barbs, Minnows or Cats, for the most part.
Roseline Sharks (barbs) are very cool looking fish, but can be pricey and want to live in schools, they don't grow too big though and you could get a bunch in a 150. Rainbow and Redtail sharks (minnows) are popular as well. While they can only live with one in a tank, you can put them in with other "non-shark" fish, especially mid sized cichlids.
Stay away from Paroon or Iridescent sharks (cats) as they grow huge and will quickly outgrow your 150.
Roseline Sharks (barbs) are very cool looking fish, but can be pricey and want to live in schools, they don't grow too big though and you could get a bunch in a 150. Rainbow and Redtail sharks (minnows) are popular as well. While they can only live with one in a tank, you can put them in with other "non-shark" fish, especially mid sized cichlids.
Stay away from Paroon or Iridescent sharks (cats) as they grow huge and will quickly outgrow your 150.
I've had quite a few fresh water sharks. The columbian sharks (catfish) were my favorites because they looked the most like a real shark. Also had rainbow, apollo, red tail, black, bala. I'd recommend an apollo or red tail for best looking and ease of care.
yeah Red tail black sharks are great and they can stand up for themselves in an aggressive tank. Mine lived for about 3 years before I had to sell him, and he got to around 6" which is quite big for a red tail.
I had a columbian catshark and he died after a few weeks of what I can only assume was a skin problem because they need brackish water, they are apparently very sensitive to freshwater and can die fairly randomly.
you ask anyone who keeps bala sharks how big their tank is and I bet none will say 150.
I had a columbian catshark and he died after a few weeks of what I can only assume was a skin problem because they need brackish water, they are apparently very sensitive to freshwater and can die fairly randomly.
you ask anyone who keeps bala sharks how big their tank is and I bet none will say 150.