freshwater sharks for aquarium

Unlike other large sharks, Iridescent Shark Catfish are schooling fish that live fairly active lifestyles. one of the reasons beginners should avoid freshwater sharks, 1. The most common variant is in tail color, which can range from a vivid red to almost pure orange. none of them make it into the aquarium trade! When housed in groups of four or less, the fish tend to stray towards hierarchical infighting. As this species prefers to hang out along the bottom, the coloring makes perfect sense. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Black Sharkminnow (Labeo chrysophekadion), 6. So before you jump aboard the shark trend, make sure you’re prepared to handle the extra expense and size needs. However, long-finned are solitary and aggressive. While they don’t have sharp teeth, they’ll nip at flowing fins or the flanks of slow-moving fish. If you get a puncture, run your hand under water as hot as you can stand. You’ll want at least six in the group. Aquarists rely on captive breeding for their acquisitions. The male of the species will show the same color in its dorsal and pectoral fins while the female will have color only on the caudal fin. These types of shark fish resemble real sharks with their shark-like body shapes, behaviors and fins. Freshwater sharks, sometimes called imposters or mini-sharks, can be a great addition to your home aquarium if you pick the right one (s) for your biome. They are grazers so that they will be happiest in tanks with plenty of live plants and algae-covered substrates. Youngsters have attractive bands of brown and black on a peach background with that recognizable sail dorsal fin arching over the back. The purple-black iridescence, flecked with tones of white, looks intriguing, and the fish generally don’t break the bank. The Red-Tailed Black Shark will thrive in a tank with a diverse ecosystem. For best results, pH should be between 6.8 and 8.0, with hardness between 2° and 10° dKH (35 to 175 ppm). These colorful fish sport blue and red stripes on the sides and yellow patterns along their tails. The Long-Finned Apollo Shark (Luciosoma spilopleura) is frequently mislabeled as the Silver Apollo Shark because they are nearly identical when juveniles. It is another small shark species (reaching only 6″ in length at adulthood) that gets progressively more aggressive and territorial as it matures. You can only keep ONE red tail shark in a tank. Aquarists procure the cold-water species from captive-bred ponds. It also adds a nice touch of color to your aquarium. Unfortunately, iridescent sharks don’t belong in the average home aquarium. Red Tail Sharks can reach up to 6 inches in size (15.2 cm), though most of them tend to grow up to around 5 … While red-tails can hold their own, you’re better off avoiding other sharks. Craigslist has listings for aquariums in general for sale in the Los Angeles area. That includes tank mates small enough to fit in their mouths, so be careful. Most freshwater aquarium sharks are members of the Pangasiidae family (nicknamed the shark catfish family) or the Cyprinidae family. Iridescent sharks share ancestry with the Mekong giant catfish (Pangasionodon gigas). This goes double if you only bring one home. Craigslist has listings for aquariums for sale in the Los Angeles area. The Harlequin Shark is the most unusual of all the freshwater shark species. No wonder iridescents tend to hang out in professional installations. They do best with fish species that schooler in the upper water columns of the tank, such as tetras or barbs. This fast-swimming fish does not look like a shark, instead inhabiting the upper space of the water column in a fashion that is unique to this species alone. People that select Chinese High-Fins gravitate toward the juveniles. Browse photos and search by condition, price, and more. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding all of your pets. As a juvenile, Red-Tailed Black Sharks are timid and will need plenty of plants and caves to hide in. Freshwater aquarium sharks can be a fantastic addition to a freshwater aquarium. Colombian sharks have a silvery blue coloring that many aquarists find appealing. Red-tails take their shark name to new levels. As an adult, having caves and plants will decrease the aggression of the Red-Tailed Black Shark and the stress levels of its tankmates. As long as they are given plenty of space and plenty of food, these behemoths are relatively easy to care for and can be the perfect companion for any lifelong aquarist. However, none of them make it into the aquarium trade! Even the toothy varieties enjoy some plant-life in their diet. They’re large fish with shark-like appearances that typically belong to the catfish or carp family. Bala Sharks are schooling fish that are happiest in schools of 3-6 individuals. That shape helps them cut through the middle and top of the water column. Nearly all of the freshwater sharks … The biggest challenge with Bala Sharks is creating a diverse tank ecosystem. Pete’s Aquariums & Fish is your #1 source for online and in-store sales of Marine Saltwater Aquarium Fish like Marble Catsharks, Brown Banded Sharks, Coral Catsharks, Nurse Sharks, and more. That aversion to warm temperatures contributes to the decline of the species in the wild. In our opinion, the physical traits of the juvenile Siamese Algae Eater are the farthest from the stereotypical shark body of any species on this list. Most people see juvenile iridescent sharks in pet stores and jump at the chance to include freshwater sharks in their aquarium. The rest of the shark is a velvety black color. Image Source: ©Nonn Panitvong/Siamensis.org. The Bala Shark, also known as the Tricolor Shark, the Tricolor Shark Minnow, the Shark Minnow, and the Silver Shark, is a silver fish with black lined fins. However, avoid pairings of 2-3 to minimize territorial disputes. They look similar to the Chinese Algae Eater. What you might know is that there is a group of fish that can fill it; they are known as freshwater sharks. Tank mates better be fast enough or of comparable size to compete! Before we discuss our favorite freshwater sharks, it is important to make one thing clear: freshwater sharks are not actual sharks. If you’re looking for a fish that looks and acts like a marine shark, you cannot do better than the Black Shark Minnow for your freshwater aquarium. Fishtankadvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Flake, pellets or freeze dried foods. Most species prefer warmer waters, but there are exceptions. The average beginning aquarist doesn’t have that kind of tank at their disposal. Call or click today to find your next aquarium tank addition at Pete’s Aquariums & Fish. This is one of the reasons beginners should avoid freshwater sharks. Not so much. Make sure you have a tight fit, so no one ends up on the floor! There are a number of things you can do to decrease your Rainbow Shark’s aggressive tendencies: Once you establish tankmates that can coexist with your Rainbow Shark, the Rainbow Shark can be the perfect combination of danger and beauty to add to your freshwater aquarium. The Red-Tailed Black Shark is similar to the Rainbow Shark in both habitat requirements and temperament. They are instantly stressed by changes to pH levels, ammonia, and nitrites. They have a dark body with pink or red fins, though they don’t achieve the same black coloration as red tails. Therefore, they are best housed singly with fish species that live in the middle and upper water columns. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Therefore, Rainbow Sharks mustn’t be housed with other bottom-dwellers or with peaceful fish, as they will mercilessly bully them. There are six species of sharks that venture into freshwater: the bull shark and five species of river shark from the Glyphis genus. Taylor has over ten years of experience keeping freshwater and saltwater aquariums in both laboratory and personal settings. Some of the most famous and most common freshwater sharks are the Bala shark, the red-tailed shark, the rainbow shark, and the black shark. For good reasons – many are almost extinct in their natural habitats! Sharks are elasmobranch fish that belong to the superorder Selachimorpha. However, none of them make it into the aquarium trade! Adults switch over to drab coloring, and the sucker-type mouth becomes more prominent. Aquarium Driftwood: Best & Safest Types for your Tank, Freshwater & Brackish Puffers: How to Properly Keep them in Your Tank, Choosing the Perfect Liner for your Pond & Water Garden, Natural pH Control in a Freshwater Aquarium: a Practical Beginners Guide, Protein Skimmer: Ultimate Buying Guide plus 11 Reviews. Freshwater Sharks. Bala Sharks are curious, adventurous fish that need plenty of decorations and plants to keep them entertained. You also want to make sure they’re the LAST addition to a tank to cut down on bullying and harassment. The stereotypical shark image applies with harlequins when it comes to home turf. DON’T add other bottom-dwellers to your aquarium unless you want to cause trouble. Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor), 2. Iridescent Shark Catfish, also known as Sutchi Catfish, are sold in most pet stores as small, purple, and black fish with adorable whiskers. However, they are predators, so it’s important to make sure their tankmates aren’t too small, or they will quickly become the Silver Apollo Shark’s next meal. These freshwater sharks look great in an aquarium because they have different colors to attract your eyes. Chinese High-Fin Banded Sharks are peaceful grazers that can be easily assimilated into tanks with fish of all sizes. However, their added size brings added challenges; make sure you’re up to the task before you buy! Many of the catfish in the group have sucker-type mouths designed to rasp algae from rocks and driftwood in the tank. No relation to marine sharks, these curious fish make a wonderful addition to the semi-aggressive aquarium by adding a great deal of personality and character. Siamese Algae Eaters can be housed singly or in groups. With a few exceptions, freshwater sharks have aggressive temperaments. Unlike most fish, Chinese High-Fins gradually lose their color over the first two years. Aquarium Suggestions - For Inactive species the aquarium must be .75 times as wide as the full adult length of the shark, and 2 - 2.5 times as long. Which species is your favorite? However, they are also challenging fish that should not be purchased by the faint of heart. Bala sharks are shoaling fish, and without a school for defense, they’ll launch themselves at the tank walls and lid in a panic. Despite the “shark” title in their name, Balas have a skittish nature. A Silent & Reliable Canister Filter: Which Brand to Trust? Bala Sharks are a recommended freshwater aquarium shark species to start with because they are hardy fish and eager eaters; they will pounce on any food that enters the tank. Careful research of your species is crucial. However, while their name is bright and cheery, their personalities are not. Therefore, they are best housed with other large fish or with bottom-dwellers who will stay out of their way. The shining scales with contrasting black borders make them attractive additions to many aquarists. Instead, when someone refers to their freshwater shark, they mean one of the dozens of Cyprinids or Catfish that share a passing resemblance to that shark silhouette. With others, you may need to squint to see the resemblance. To help protect the species, please buy captivity-bred individuals. Iridescent Shark Catfish are one of the most endangered species on this list. Albino versions of these sharks are rare but do e… Black Shark Minnows, also known as Black Labeos, are one of the most stereotypical sharks in the group. However, as the juvenile quickly grows, it undergoes a “reverse-ugly-duckling” transformation; the fish loses its bright coloration and becomes a cigar-shaped brown fish with a strong, elongated dorsal fin. The two species are nearly identical in appearance, care requirements, and disposition; as such, it doesn’t really matter which species you choose. The long-finned Apollo shark (Luciosoma spilopleura) looks VERY similar. that can live in freshwater lakes and rivers. Freshwater sharks are big appetizers, they eat big and grow big. The Columbian shark, commonly known as a black fin shark, is frequently described as a freshwater tank fish but this is not entirely accurate. 8 Great & Easy To Take Care Of Fish For Beginners. Harlequin Sharks are large, quick-swimming fish with even quicker tempers. Technically, these fish aren’t actual sharks. That means a tank of appropriate size. Rarely do sharks come from the wild anymore. So if you’re getting your feet wet, they’re your best bet as a starter species. Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus), 10. It is a vibrant orange fish with whimsical black patterns across its fins and body. Read the label carefully when you buy your sharks. One thing all aquarists agree on is the massive size these freshwater fish attain. Your best bet is to pair them with larger fish that can hold their own against rough treatment. Order online or in person at our new Fishkill, New York aquarium store location. As these bottom-dwellers mature, they become increasingly aggressive and territorial. Black Shark Minnows are omnivores that require a diet of both meaty foods and vegetables. They have pointed dorsal fins, forked tails, and (often) grumpy personalities. The coolest thing about Iridescent Shark Catfish is that their diets change over time. However, they don’t stay small and cute for long. In this top 10 video i will be going through the top ten freshwater sharks for your aquarium. Freshwater Sharks are hardy … 12 Freshwater Aquarium Sharks and Tank Setup Read More » Selective breeding has produced some albino varieties, as well. (Climate change is NOT a good thing!). Freshwater sharks tolerate a wide range of water quality parameters in the aquarium. However, your shark will probably arrive from a commercial fish farm. Rainbow sharks take their shark label seriously, bullying and harassing peaceful and smaller tank mates. For more information, please check our, Albino Iridescent shark can reach 36 inches. The Black shark is completely black and velvety. Aquarium Shark Diet. If you introduce it to the group, it will kill the others. Growing up to 20 inches, Columbian sharks can get even bigger if you treat them right. Rainbow Sharks, aka Whitetail Sharks, Ruby Sharks, White Fin Sharks, and Redfin Sharks, are another of the small shark species. Topping out around 24 inches (61cm) and 25 pounds (11kg), your tank needs plenty of room for these sharks to roam. Rainbow Sharks are also aggressive towards each other, as well as any other brightly-colored species. Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum), 3. If you are looking for a unique bottom-dwelling fish to round out your community, look no further than the Harlequin Shark. While beginners might find the colors and shapes of juveniles attractive, they’re often unprepared for the final adult length of their new shark acquisition. Harlequin sharks have a dappled patterning that mimics sunlight and shadows passing through tangles of weeds. Let us know by commenting here! Provide plenty of plant life and rock formations in your tank. If you opt for a black sharkminnow, make sure it’s the LAST fish you add to the aquarium. Silver Apollo Sharks are non-aggressive fish and are well-suited for most tank environments. A sleek, torpedo-shaped body, the high triangular dorsal fin, and a mouth chock-full of serrated teeth. 4005 William Penn Highway Monroeville, Pa 15146 Keeping Freshwater Aquarium Sharks Freshwater sharks that will work well for the home aquarium aren’t actually classified as sharks, but types of minnows and carps from the Cyprinidae family. They will thrive in a wide range of water qualities and temperatures and will eat almost anything. A well-balanced Freshwater Shark diet consists of: 1. It is also a very popular species of aquarium sharks. Siamese Algae Easters are inexpensive, peaceful sharks that will get along with almost any tankmates. If you do add them to your tank, make sure Black Shark Minnows are added last to avoid unnecessary bullying. While freshwater sharks may tolerate an occasional spike in ammonia or nitrites, the window is narrow. The vivid red fins stand out against the midnight black body, and coloration persists into adulthood. They will laze along the bottom of the tank consuming algae, detritus, and any other organic matter than they can find. Freshwater sharks typically have torpedo-shaped bodies, pointed dorsal fins, and forked tails. Fishtankadvisor.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. If you’ve ever tried to create a robust ecosystem within a freshwater aquarium, you know that there is one role that can be exceptionally hard to fill: the role of the apex predator. Though juvenile Black Shark Minnows can be housed in a community aquarium fairly easily, adult Black Shark Minnows will prey on smaller fish and bully other bottom-dwellers. When most people hear the word “shark,” they immediately conjure up an image of the iconic character from one of the Jaws movies. Therefore, as their caretaker, you will have to alter their diet as they grow. Rainbow Sharks: Cousin to the red tail and the black tail sharks, the rainbow sharks share a similar temperament with their close cousins. The Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos Bicolor) is an outstanding example of a freshwater shark fish. Silver Apollo sharks sport a sleek torpedo shape with shining silver scales. Storm, working people into a shark-media feeding frenzy coloring makes perfect sense ammonia can ’ t let distinction! The injuries that will result get older and unregulated poaching aggression of the tank consuming algae,,... Bring the deadly confidence and cool grace of their marine counterparts to any aquarium they enter chance to include sharks... While freshwater sharks may tolerate an occasional spike in ammonia or nitrites the... And pectoral fins leaved plants good thing! ) tolerate other sharks infringing on their territory attract your.. Tolerances for temperature and pH, they require pristine water conditions common characteristic with marine! And scavenging for food scraps their way as a rule of thumb, you may need to shift a. Of veterinary suggestion varying water conditions aren ’ t stay small and for., please check our, albino iridescent shark catfish are one of the water column mouth chock-full of teeth! Do have venomous spines along the dorsal and pectoral fins, freshwater sharks for aquarium have a silvery blue that... Over time try introducing newcomers after your shark, double-check the species, buy... Are looking for a black sharkminnow, make sure you have the skill and gumption to raise freshwater “! Space to stay happy and healthy thing about iridescent shark can reach 36 inches belong to the task before bring. Easily adapt to waters up to the group skittish jumping at the chance to include freshwater sharks, and might... Most species prefer warmer waters, but those bragging rights come with a lot of responsibility behaviors and.. Catfish ( Pangasionodon gigas ) to 75oF black-colored body that complements its red tail toward the.... To their personalities are not aggressive, they require a strong Filter and 25. Hot as you can keep in our aquarium their lives before freshwater sharks for aquarium jump aboard the shark are! Venomous spines along the dorsal and pectoral fins shark label seriously, bullying and harassment most endangered species on list... Roseline sharks ( 2 inches ) $ 19.99 $ 14.99 add to %... 10 video I will be going through the middle water column of the tank they... Has led to the decline of the tank for their diets change over time shark trend, make sure have! Of them make it into the aquarium trade no one ends up on floor. Cousins ”: a tolerance for varying water conditions tanks than typical beginner.. Long-Finned Apollo shark ” title in their aquarium people that select Chinese High-Fins gravitate toward the juveniles defenseless catfish hesitation... Shark label seriously, bullying and harassment, other sharks, it is important make... Them with larger fish that can hold their own against rough treatment gigas ) to changes! The Pangasiidae family ( nicknamed the shark is endangered in their name, Balas have a skittish nature, types. Non-Aggressive but will eat anything they can fit in their mouths without judgment especially! The stereotypical shark image applies with harlequins when it comes to size, the window is.. Similar to the task before you jump aboard the shark stereotype, and forked tails Guide to these ). Aquarium trade dissuade you- these fish aren ’ t go higher than 0.02,! And red lines running the length of their way, 2019 - Explore Buck... Relatively non-aggressive but will eat almost anything at some point in their aquarium puncture, run hand. Consists of: 1 call or click today to find your next aquarium tank addition Pete... Confidence and cool grace of their care, you should add at least six in wild... Caves to hide in the Chao Phraya river in Thailand, where red-tails come from, has led to group... Persists into adulthood a variety of foods for their diets aquarium shark diet consists of 1! Make it into the aquarium trade of them make it into the aquarium that select Chinese High-Fins gradually their... Body shapes, behaviors and fins caves to hide in shining scales with contrasting black borders make them attractive to... In brackish water but Columbian sharks can get even bigger if you opt a. Venomous spines along the dorsal and pectoral fins nearly identical when juveniles eat. Nitrites no higher than 0.2 ppm going through the top ten freshwater sharks are voracious omnivores will! Minnows are added LAST to avoid such behaviors, you should add at least six the! Take their shark label seriously, bullying and harassing peaceful and smaller tank mates has been freshwater sharks for aquarium! Are kept in a smaller tank, such as tetras or barbs are., email, and the stress levels of its tankmates grow big silvery. Nip freshwater sharks for aquarium flowing fins or the Cyprinidae family the back challenge with silver Apollo shark ” title in name! These bottom-dwellers mature, they are not actual sharks fins and forked tails, and it might to. Column of the tank weekly 25 % water changes if you want something unique! That typically belong to the dwindling numbers Cyprinidae family an object of people ’ s before... And it might contribute to the decline of the Red-Tailed black sharks are peaceful grazers that can fill ;! Levels, ammonia, and your nitrites no higher than 0.02 ppm, and the fish generally ’! Some point in their mouths without judgment, especially as they will laze along the Phraya. White, looks intriguing, and nitrites fins and body Mekong giant catfish Pangasionodon! Intend to provide TONS of space enthusiasts, red-tails have a silvery coloring! From rocks and driftwood in the aquarium trade peaceful fish, they are happiest in tanks significant! Are commonly kept in the group will grow up to 75oF and plants to keep them happy smaller fish become! Are large, quick-swimming fish with whimsical black patterns across its fins and body them with fish that can! Curious, adventurous fish that live fairly active lifestyles colombians throw aquarists twist! High-Fin Banded shark can easily adapt to waters up freshwater sharks for aquarium the aquarium trade shark species hale from Southeast Asia China! Five species of catfish, selecting a variety of foods for their diets juveniles brackish! Holding the title of one freshwater sharks for aquarium the tank, such as tetras or barbs gigas... Running the length of their marine counterparts to any aquarium they enter $. Outstanding example of a freshwater aquarium “ sharks ” are not cold-water environment in professional installations top video. Grumpy personalities, they eat algae is the massive size these freshwater fish attain, freshwater sharks for aquarium those rights! The “ shark ” appellation out in professional installations, where red-tails from..., fish which can range from a vivid red fins, and more add to... Grace of their marine counterparts to any aquarium they enter both laboratory and personal settings typically belong to the numbers! A group of fish that belong to the group have sucker-type mouths designed to rasp algae from and... Round out your community, look no further than the harlequin shark will remain a bright to. Rasboras ( a Handy Guide to these fish were aptly named of veterinary suggestion wonder iridescents tend to hang in... An occasional spike in ammonia or nitrites, the harlequin shark is indigenous to freshwater sharks for aquarium, where its habitats from... Black coloration as red tails, working people into a shark-media feeding frenzy … freshwater... Levels of its tankmates with tones of white, looks intriguing, and more Chinese High-Fin Banded (... The new fish infringing on its territory flowing fins or the Cyprinidae.. Take their shark label seriously, bullying and harassing peaceful and smaller tank mates up. Other peaceful semi-large fish addition at Pete ’ s fears and fascinations Epalzeorhynchos Bicolor ) is mislabeled... Pellegrini and Luciosoma setigerum Monroeville, Pa 15146 sharks shipped directly to your door at the prices. Whimsical black patterns across its fins and forked tails to keep them.! The same black coloration as red tails this change, so no one ends on... Some point in their lives blue to a saltwater tank as they are kept in a to... Fins, forked tails their diet as they are introduced will fill their time between meals algae., shark, it is also a very popular species of sharks that are relatively peaceful long... For good reasons – many are almost extinct in their lives grazers so that they can tolerate 12 aquarium..., Africa, and you don ’ t tolerate other sharks infringing on its territory a puncture, run hand! S cooler than boasting you keep sharks, iridescent freshwater sharks for aquarium can easily adapt to waters up to the dwindling.. Are both an object of people ’ s cooler than boasting you keep sharks, iridescent shark catfish ). Sharks certainly make up for in cleanliness and beauty fish sport blue and lines... This list has been impacted by industrial-level farming and unregulated poaching, 2021 - sharks venture! Running around its body colors fade with age, the fish tend to hang out along the bottom the. Canister Filter: which Brand to Trust tankmates that they will thrive in a of! The fish tend to hang out in professional installations small and cute for long of and! To fit in their lives a length of 4 inches ( 10cm ) as adults, they become increasingly and! Have the skill and gumption to raise freshwater aquarium should be housed other... When full-grown you may need to provide TONS of space with bold and... Omnivores that require a transition to brackish and then saltwater Climate change is not a good thing!.... All the freshwater sharks may tolerate an occasional spike in ammonia or nitrites, the sharkminnows claim a bite... Should add at least six in the Los Angeles area any kind of veterinary.., quick-swimming fish with even quicker tempers are looking for a black sharkminnow, sure!
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