View Full Version : will baby red tail shark eat tetras?
Gerber
12-05-2008, 12:13 PM
My brother really wants a redtail sharkand I am about to stock my 20L. I want a school of cardinals (15) and some cory cats. I was thinking of getting a 1-2" baby shark for him. Will the shark eat the cardinals in a well fed/planted tank?
vequalsir
12-05-2008, 12:34 PM
I've had a RTS in my tank for 5-6 years. They don't seem to be fin nippers. Mine was almost nipped to death by some barbs.
They need a place to hide, but generally speaking don't seem to bother other fish. I really enjoy mine.
Felix T Cat
12-05-2008, 3:38 PM
Check this out:
http://www.elmersaquarium.com/10shark_redtail.htm
jpappy789
12-05-2008, 4:23 PM
They won't eat them but may become aggressive when it matures and need more room than a 20 long...skip it.
Dangerdoll
12-05-2008, 5:07 PM
they generally will leave any fish that isn't a bottom dweller and/or won't be their general torpedo shape.... and those who will leave his cave which will be his "turf". They need a cave or some kind of coverage to establish as their own for their own good and sanity. But I agree, a 20 might be a little tight for him...
Slappy*McFish
12-05-2008, 6:42 PM
I had a Red Tail Shark wipe out an entire school of Lemon Tetras once. He didn't eat them, just chased and nipped them to death. He didn't bother the Serpae Tetras that were also in the tank, however.
jm1212
12-05-2008, 7:17 PM
with 15 cardinal tetras, the tank will be busy enough. get 4 corydoras for the bottom and then call it quits.
i agree with everyone else a 20l really isnt enough room but if you do get a bigger tank for one look into the rainbow shark, they are less agressive and i think they look much better. They have almost the exact same color but instead of just the tail being red all the fins are red.
cephei
12-06-2008, 7:18 AM
A red tail in a 5 gallon...? There is no way that is enough room for him on his own let alone all the others...
vequalsir
12-06-2008, 2:35 PM
20L <> 20G:duh:
I agree...20L is way too small for a RTS.
Gerber
12-07-2008, 10:58 PM
I decided on a clown loach instead of the red tail shark, the loach has excellant personality and is very fun to watch
Lupin
12-07-2008, 11:02 PM
You got the wrong choice of fish.:( Kuhlis are much better options than clowns for a 20. Clowns will only stunt their growth and they do better if kept in groups with 5 as the minimum number, not singly or in couple.
Gerber
12-07-2008, 11:10 PM
Would a clown loach be fine in a 75 gallon tank? My parents have a 75 gallon tank and I could get a few more and put them in there.
Lupin
12-07-2008, 11:18 PM
Would a clown loach be fine in a 75 gallon tank? My parents have a 75 gallon tank and I could get a few more and put them in there.
Yes. Keep 5 minimum. You have 2-3 years before an upgrade.
Gerber
12-07-2008, 11:20 PM
awesome do you think that I could keep 2 or 3 in my 20 for a while?
Lupin
12-07-2008, 11:22 PM
Well, as it is temporary, yes, you can. As a general rule, quarantine.
Gerber
12-07-2008, 11:24 PM
Thanks for the advice I really appreciate it
jpappy789
12-08-2008, 12:08 AM
I agree with lupin. Plan for a much larger tank in the future.
johndoughy
12-08-2008, 2:44 PM
My favorite mistake. I love those sharks, but I put one in a small community tank before, being told that they are ok if they can hide, but they chased my zebra danios until 2 of them died. It was a disaster of a tank, the product of bad advice. Red-Tailed Sharks are not ok with small tanks. If you have one that isn't harassing everything to death, you are a lucky person.