Sharks may seem like quintessential saltwater species. However, several types of freshwater sharks have become popular additions to home aquariums. Ranging from more uncommon selections like the redtail and rainbow sharks to the ubiquitous iridescent and bala sharks, these freshwater fish bring impressive size and personalities.
Redtail Shark
The redtail shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) earns its name from the vibrant red coloring on the back half of its body and tail fin. One of the more aggressive freshwater sharks, they grow to 6 inches long and require specific care.
Housing
Redtail sharks need a minimum 75 gallon aquarium with plenty of swimming space. Include hiding spots like caves and dense vegetation, along with open sandy areas.
Tank Mates
House redtail sharks alone or with robust, medium-large fish that won’t be intimidated by their temperament. Avoid fin-nipping species.
Feeding
Feed redtail sharks 2-3 times daily with protein-rich foods like shrimp, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and quality omnivore flakes.
Rainbow Shark
Despite the name, rainbow sharks (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) are not actual sharks but characins related to redtail sharks. Growing to 6 inches long, they have a blue-gray body with a bright red tail fin and fins tipped in white.
Housing
Rainbow sharks should be kept in a 55 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of plants and driftwood hiding spots. Provide open swimming areas as well.
Tank Mates
Tank mates depend on the individual rainbow shark’s temperament. Avoid fin nippers and slower moving species. Medium-large robust fish generally coexist well.
Feeding
Offer rainbow sharks a varied, protein-rich omnivore diet with foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, pellets and flakes. Feed them twice daily in most cases.
Iridescent Shark
Iridescent sharks (Pangasius hypophthalmus), also known as sutchi catfish, grow much larger than other freshwater sharks, potentially reaching 4-6 feet in captivity! These giants need a pond-sized home.
Housing
House juvenile iridescent sharks in a 300 gallon aquarium, upgrading them to a large pond at least 6 feet long once they surpass 2 feet in length. Very powerful filtration is essential.
Tank Mates
Only keep iridescent sharks with fish species that can hold their own with these massive tankmates, like large plecos, giant gouramis or huge cichlids.
Feeding
Iridescent sharks are voracious predators that need huge amounts of protein-rich foods like shrimp, fish, earthworms, pellets and flakes. Feed juveniles smaller meals 2-3 times daily.
Bala Shark
Named for the prominent black spot on their sides, bala sharks (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) are schooling fish that reach 14 inches long as adults. They need to be kept in groups.
Housing
The minimum tank size for a small group of bala sharks is 125 gallons or more. Give them plenty of open swimming room and a fine sandy substrate. Live plants
Tank Mates
Stick to medium-large, robust schooling species for best compatibility like large barbs, silver dollars and giant danios that enjoy similar tank conditions.
Feeding
In the wild bala sharks eat mainly zooplankton. Feed them vegetable flakes, pellets along with meaty foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms twice daily.
Conclusion
From small but aggressive redtail and rainbow sharks to giant bala and iridescent sharks reaching up to 6 feet long, freshwater aquarist have awesome shark species to choose between. Just be sure you can provide the necessary tank size, robust tank mates and nutritional needs to keep these incredible fish healthy and happy.
FAQs about Freshwater Aquarium Sharks
1. What is the smallest freshwater shark?
The redtail shark and closely related rainbow shark reach the smallest maximum size at around 6 inches long when fully grown.
2. Do freshwater sharks attack humans?
No, species like redtail, bala and iridescent sharks sold for home aquariums do not attack or bite humans. They can bite if drastically mishandled but are not purposely aggressive.
3. Can you keep a bull shark in freshwater?
While bull sharks can temporarily tolerate freshwater, they cannot survive permanently in freshwater tanks or ponds. They need high salt levels like their ocean habitats.
4. Do freshwater aquarium sharks need salt?
Most freshwater sharks like redtails and balas do not need additional aquarium salt. Iridescent sharks originate from brackish waters and benefit from very low salt levels.
5. Why are my freshwater sharks hiding?
Hiding fish usually indicate stress from poor water quality, small tank size, insufficient feeding, or aggression from tank mates. Address the underlying issues to bring them out of hiding.