that can live in freshwater lakes and rivers. Silver Apollo sharks sport a sleek torpedo shape with shining silver scales. Colombian sharks have a silvery blue coloring that many aquarists find appealing. (Your fingers are safe). Freshwater sharks typically have torpedo-shaped bodies, pointed dorsal fins, and forked tails. With a cave or grotto to call their own, Rainbow Sharks will defend their area, thereby leaving the rest of the tank for your other species. Harlequin Sharks are large, quick-swimming fish with even quicker tempers. A sleek, torpedo-shaped body, the high triangular dorsal fin, and a mouth chock-full of serrated teeth. With its jet black to navy blue body and vibrant red tail, it is sure to steal the spotlight of any tank it’s put in. While it’s next to impossible to keep a real shark as a pet, there are plenty of freshwater aquarium sharks that thrive in a home aquarium. There are six species of sharks that venture into freshwater: the bull shark and five species of river shark from the Glyphis genus. Albino versions of these sharks are rare but do e… However, long-finned are solitary and aggressive. Smaller fish often become unwitting snacks in community tanks. 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. You need a minimum of six. That said, rosalines still need schools to stay happy and healthy. Aquarists rely on captive breeding for their acquisitions. Fortunately for aquarium hobbyists, you have options when it comes to sharks. The battles over territory aren’t worth the injuries that will result. Unlike most fish, Chinese High-Fins gradually lose their color over the first two years. The Red-Tailed Black Shark, also known as the Red-Tailed Labeo, Fire Tail, and Labeo Bicolor Shark, is by far the most striking freshwater aquarium shark on this list. They have a dark body with pink or red fins, though they don’t achieve the same black coloration as red tails. 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. Have you entered the freshwater shark craze? Iridescent Shark Catfish are one of the most endangered species on this list. The coolest thing about Iridescent Shark Catfish is that their diets change over time. The rest of the shark is a velvety black color. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of water current to keep them happy. It is a vibrant orange fish with whimsical black patterns across its fins and body. Bala sharks make frequent appearances in pet stores. Adults switch over to drab coloring, and the sucker-type mouth becomes more prominent. Though not a tropical fish, the Chinese High-fin Banded Shark can easily adapt to waters up to 75oF. Introduce them last in an established community tank so that they can’t bully new fish as they are introduced. Browse photos and search by condition, price, and more. While freshwater sharks may tolerate an occasional spike in ammonia or nitrites, the window is narrow. Even with friends around, don’t be surprised to find your sharks testing the lid of the tank. That aversion to warm temperatures contributes to the decline of the species in the wild. However, none of them make it into the aquarium trade! As a rule of thumb, you should add at least 15 additional gallons of water for every Siamese Algae Eater you add. Rosaline sharks rank as the easiest freshwater shark to manage. Youngsters have attractive bands of brown and black on a peach background with that recognizable sail dorsal fin arching over the back. While these species have significant tolerances for temperature and pH, they require pristine water conditions. Free shipping over $149! Red-Tailed Black sharks are voracious omnivores that will fill their time between meals eating algae and scavenging for food scraps. If you get a puncture, run your hand under water as hot as you can stand. Freshwater Sharks. Adults are best-suited for large pond settings with goldfish, koi, barb, or danio tank mates. As the name suggests, they are white and yellow fish with bold black and red lines running the length of their bodies. Black Shark Minnows are omnivores that require a diet of both meaty foods and vegetables. That means you need to provide TONS of space. If you have the skill and gumption to raise freshwater aquarium sharks, it is worth taking the plunge. Your ammonia can’t go higher than 0.02 ppm, and your nitrites no higher than 0.2 ppm. Harlequin sharks WILL attack more defenseless catfish without a second thought. The rosaline shark is endangered in their native waters of India, and you don’t want to contribute to the dwindling numbers. There are six species of sharks that venture into freshwater: the bull shark and five species of river shark from the Glyphis genus. Best of all, they only reach a length of 4 inches (10cm) as adults! Black Sharkminnow (Labeo chrysophekadion), 6. See more ideas about aquarium sharks, shark, aquarium. As adults, they require a transition to brackish and then saltwater. As these bottom-dwellers mature, they become increasingly aggressive and territorial. Elmer's Aquarium. When placed in the right aquarium with the right tankmates, these incredible species will elevate both the aesthetic and atmosphere of any freshwater aquarium. However, they are happiest in outdoor ponds and unheated aquariums that more closely mimic their cold-water environment. If you are looking for a unique bottom-dwelling fish to round out your community, look no further than the Harlequin Shark. Adults? And with the extra demands of their care, you earn respect from fellow aquarists whenever you mention owning freshwater shark species. If you try introducing newcomers after your shark, it’ll become hyper-aggressive and attack the new fish infringing on its territory. They look similar to the Chinese Algae Eater. While you might get away with keeping a single silver Apollo in a smaller tank, they ARE schooling fish. Sponge Filters: When Should You Prefer Them? 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. They’ll attack each other, other sharks, and catfish without hesitation. The Red Tail Shark is one of the most common freshwater aquarium sharks; it is widely available and offered with some distinctive variations. With a few exceptions, freshwater sharks have aggressive temperaments. Though its colors fade with age, the Harlequin Shark will remain a bright addition to your tank. For best results, pH should be between 6.8 and 8.0, with hardness between 2° and 10° dKH (35 to 175 ppm). 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. If you opt for a black sharkminnow, make sure it’s the LAST fish you add to the aquarium. Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor), 2. Taylor has over ten years of experience keeping freshwater and saltwater aquariums in both laboratory and personal settings. You also want to make sure they’re the LAST addition to a tank to cut down on bullying and harassment. A Silent & Reliable Canister Filter: Which Brand to Trust? Rainbow Sharks are also aggressive towards each other, as well as any other brightly-colored species. Which species is your favorite? However, avoid pairings of 2-3 to minimize territorial disputes. 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. As a juvenile, Red-Tailed Black Sharks are timid and will need plenty of plants and caves to hide in. The shark is almost extinct in Thailand, but it … Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum), 3. Therefore, they are best housed singly with fish species that live in the middle and upper water columns. The black sharkminnow may not have much in the way of flashy colors, but their purplish-black color and flowing fins make for a striking appearance. Though they are not aggressive, they should be housed with other fast-swimming species, as their hyper personalities can stress out slower fish. They’re large fish with shark-like appearances that typically belong to the catfish or carp family. Fishtankadvisor.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. Most people see juvenile iridescent sharks in pet stores and jump at the chance to include freshwater sharks in their aquarium. Flake, pellets or freeze dried foods. If you like calmer species, keep them in a separate aquarium. If you introduce it to the group, it will kill the others. Freshwater Aquarium “Sharks” are Not Actual Sharks, 7 Types of Rasboras (A Handy Guide to These Fish). The amount of variance is even shorter. The shining scales with contrasting black borders make them attractive additions to many aquarists. Freshwater shark species hale from Southeast Asia, China, Africa, and South America. 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. Most freshwater aquarium sharks are members of the Pangasiidae family (nicknamed the shark catfish family) or the Cyprinidae family. Rainbows DON’T tolerate other sharks infringing on their territory. However, none of them make it into the aquarium trade! none of them make it into the aquarium trade! Before buying a freshwater aquarium shark, make sure you do the following things: Though freshwater aquarium sharks aren’t related to the sharks you see on Shark Week, they nonetheless seamlessly capture the silhouette and spirit of their marine counterparts. Therefore, your aquarium will require a strong filter and weekly 25% water changes if you want to keep them healthy. The tank size requirements defy an average aquarist’s capabilities. The Red-Tailed Black Shark will thrive in a tank with a diverse ecosystem. The Columbian shark, commonly known as a black fin shark, is frequently described as a freshwater tank fish but this is not entirely accurate. See more ideas about freshwater sharks, musky fishing, fish. Plus, this fish wants to swim in schools. Call 1-877-367-4377 to order. The high, arched back and sail-like dorsal fin of the Chinese High-fin Banded Shark gives it the most striking profile of any of the shark species. The long-finned Apollo shark (Luciosoma spilopleura) looks VERY similar. Selective breeding has produced some albino varieties, as well. Basically Freshwater sharks are carnivores. The vivid red fins stand out against the midnight black body, and coloration persists into adulthood. When it comes to size, the sharkminnows claim a big bite of the prize. Many of the catfish in the group have sucker-type mouths designed to rasp algae from rocks and driftwood in the tank. When most people hear the word “shark,” they immediately conjure up an image of the iconic character from one of the Jaws movies. For good reasons – many are almost extinct in their natural habitats! Selective breeding has also produced an albino version if you want something more unique. The female bull shark came to the Aquarium as a pup in the summer of 2005 from a private collector who found the bull shark off the coast of Texas. However, while their name is bright and cheery, their personalities are not. However, they are also challenging fish that should not be purchased by the faint of heart. The Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos Bicolor) is an outstanding example of a freshwater shark fish. What they lack in manors, these beautiful sharks certainly make up for in cleanliness and beauty. They are grazers so that they will be happiest in tanks with plenty of live plants and algae-covered substrates. Silver Apollo Shark (Luciosoma setigerum), Installing a Canister Filter: Step by Step Guide, Serpae Tetra: A Splash of Color in Your Aquarium, Aquarium Catfish: Why they are Fantastic and How to Properly Keep Them in your Freshwater Tank, My First High-tech Planted Tank: A recipe you could follow. 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. The Redtail Shark, also known as the Redtail Black Shark is great for the semi-aggressive community aquarium, as long as they are the sole sharks and the other tankmates are of similar size. Nearly all of the freshwater sharks … Facebook page opens in new window Instagram page opens in new window Roseline Sharks (2 Inches) $ 19.99 $ 14.99 Add to cart-99% Out of stock. Rainbow Sharks, aka Whitetail Sharks, Ruby Sharks, White Fin Sharks, and Redfin Sharks, are another of the small shark species. If you see it through you will probably see that nearly every fish store in the country will carry at least one of these Sharks … Image Source: ©Nonn Panitvong/Siamensis.org. Sharks are primarily marine animals (there are only five known freshwater species) that are extremely difficult to keep in captivity due to their size, appetite, and migratory nature. The average beginning aquarist doesn’t have that kind of tank at their disposal. Tank mates better be fast enough or of comparable size to compete! It has a dark blue to a black-colored body that complements its red tail. Their large size (they are over 25-pounds as adults) and aggressive behavior, combined with their inky black scales and dramatic fins, make them the natural apex predator of the tank. Unlike other large sharks, Iridescent Shark Catfish are schooling fish that live fairly active lifestyles. The Black shark is completely black and velvety. Craigslist has listings for aquariums for sale in the Los Angeles area. You can only keep ONE red tail shark in a tank. Rainbow Sharks: Cousin to the red tail and the black tail sharks, the rainbow sharks share a similar temperament with their close cousins. While popular among freshwater shark enthusiasts, red-tails have a tragic past. Colombian or hi-fin sharks prefer slightly higher pH and alkalinity and benefit from the addition of up to 1 tablespoon of aquarium or sea salt per gallon. The biggest challenge with Rainbow Sharks is finding them tankmates that they can tolerate. Nearly all of the freshwater sharks eat meat, and many are aggressive and/or territorial. For more information, please check our, Albino Iridescent shark can reach 36 inches. The best part about adding Siamese Algae Eaters to your freshwater aquarium should be clear based on their name- they eat algae! 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. Provide plenty of plant life and rock formations in your tank. 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. Freshwater Sharks Freshwater Sharks prefer aquariums that contain several hiding spaces, along with driftwood and larger thick leaved plants. 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. Red-Tailed Black Shark The red-tailed shark is indigenous to Thailand, where its habitats range from freshwater algae ponds to forested areas. 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. Harlequin sharks have a dappled patterning that mimics sunlight and shadows passing through tangles of weeds. Toys for Pet Turtles: What Do Turtles Like to Play With? The most common variant is in tail color, which can range from a vivid red to almost pure orange. If you’re looking to add a freshwater shark to your established freshwater aquarium without a lot of additional costs or time commitment, this is the shark for you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Therefore, they are best housed singly with species that won’t steal their spotlight. The Aquarium of the Pacific’s juvenile bull shark enjoys a diet of mahi mahi, hoki, and other fish including sardines, herring, and squid. Therefore, Rainbow Sharks mustn’t be housed with other bottom-dwellers or with peaceful fish, as they will mercilessly bully them. With few exceptions, freshwater sharks require MAMMOTH aquariums! They are instantly stressed by changes to pH levels, ammonia, and nitrites. Pair them with fish that occupy the middle and upper water columns. To avoid such behaviors, you need several Balas. They are solitary bottom-dwellers that will be territorial against other catfish and other bottom-dwellers. Before we discuss our favorite freshwater sharks, it is important to make one thing clear: freshwater sharks are not actual sharks. However, their unique appearance still adds character to your tank. 8 Great & Easy To Take Care Of Fish For Beginners. As with other catfish, they DO have venomous spines along the dorsal and pectoral fins. Freshwater sharks, on the other hand, are scientifically not sharks at all. They are a peaceful species that live in the middle water column of the tank and should be housed with other peaceful semi-large fish. Freshwater aquarium sharks can be a fantastic addition to a freshwater aquarium. Black Shark Minnows, also known as Black Labeos, are one of the most stereotypical sharks in the group. This goes double if you only bring one home. Iridescent sharks share ancestry with the Mekong giant catfish (Pangasionodon gigas). Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus), 10. Be sure to research your shark’s needs before you bring it home. Careful research of your species is crucial. So if you’re getting your feet wet, they’re your best bet as a starter species. Chinese High-Fin Banded Sharks are peaceful grazers that can be easily assimilated into tanks with fish of all sizes. Which means you need THREE large tanks prepped and ready to go! They will laze along the bottom of the tank consuming algae, detritus, and any other organic matter than they can find. Freshwater sharks share another common characteristic with their marine “cousins”: a tolerance for varying water conditions. Aquarium Shark Diet. Craigslist has listings for aquariums in general for sale in the Los Angeles area. The black shark minnow is another stunning addition to your freshwater aquarium filled with small sharks. Some species share a few characteristics with the bigger marine sharks at some point in their lives. But don’t let this distinction dissuade you- these fish were aptly named. Order online or in person at our new Fishkill, New York aquarium store location. The Harlequin Shark is the most unusual of all the freshwater shark species. 4005 William Penn Highway Monroeville, Pa 15146 Freshwater Sharks are hardy … 12 Freshwater Aquarium Sharks and Tank Setup Read More » Red-tails take their shark name to new levels. 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 … However, Long-Finned Apollo Sharks will grow up to 12″ long and are much more aggressive. Iridescent Shark Catfish, also known as Sutchi Catfish, are sold in most pet stores as small, purple, and black fish with adorable whiskers. Therefore, as their caretaker, you will have to alter their diet as they grow. Technically, these fish aren’t actual sharks. Colombians need schools to feel safe and prevent skittish jumping at the lid of the tank. - For Active species the aquarium must be 1.5 times as wide as the full adult length of the shark, and 4 - 5 times as long. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Harlequin Sharks are found in river systems, so they prefer tanks with significant water flow. Its population has been impacted by industrial-level farming and unregulated poaching. The purple-black iridescence, flecked with tones of white, looks intriguing, and the fish generally don’t break the bank. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding all of your pets. Even a single fish needs hundreds of gallons/liters worth of swimming space to stay active and healthy. Read the label carefully when you buy your sharks. Topping out around 24 inches (61cm) and 25 pounds (11kg), your tank needs plenty of room for these sharks to roam. One thing all aquarists agree on is the massive size these freshwater fish attain. Unfortunately, iridescent sharks don’t belong in the average home aquarium. They have pointed dorsal fins, forked tails, and (often) grumpy personalities. This is one of the reasons beginners should avoid freshwater sharks. Rotating between frozen and live foods improves their color and growth. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The name “Silver Apollo Shark” actually refers to two different fish species: Luciosoma pellegrini and Luciosoma setigerum. You can keep juveniles in brackish water but Columbian sharks need to shift to a saltwater tank as they get older. Freshwater sharks are a group of fish that have been nicknamed “sharks” because their physical appearances or personalities are similar to their marine namesakes. What you might know is that there is a group of fish that can fill it; they are known as freshwater sharks. The very tip of the prominent dorsal fin holds a small white spot. They reach lengths of 10 feet (3m), holding the title of one of the longest freshwater fish in the world. 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. A selection of different foods keeps these sharks happy: Freshwater sharks might not pose a risk to fingers or toes that dip into the aquarium. Make sure you have a tight fit, so no one ends up on the floor! 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. It is also a very popular species of aquarium sharks. The Roseline Torpedo Shark, also known as the Denison’s Barb and the Red-Lined Torpedo Barb, is the only shark on this list that could be considered beginner-friendly. These types of shark fish resemble real sharks with their shark-like body shapes, behaviors and fins. To help protect the species, please buy captivity-bred individuals. That includes tank mates small enough to fit in their mouths, so be careful. Every year, Shark Week takes the world by storm, working people into a shark-media feeding frenzy. They are semi-aggressive by nature. (Climate change is NOT a good thing!). Looking for Marine Sharks? When housed in groups of four or less, the fish tend to stray towards hierarchical infighting. However, as they grow, their strong dorsal fins and forked tails do bring to mind the melody of Jaws. Phone 412-372-6535. That means a tank of appropriate size. 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. As this species prefers to hang out along the bottom, the coloring makes perfect sense. 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.