Need More Redtail Shark Info

Riso-chan

Riso-chan

The Blue Girl
Jan 17, 2005
322
0
0
41
Florida, USA
As you know, I have a rising desire to get a redtail shark for my 55g tank. I needed to know a few more things before I bring him/her home.

1. Since they need a cave to hide in, what size should I look for in a decoration/ cave?

2. I also have a few swordtail fry left over from the fish I used to have, and I'm not sure what to do with them.
Would the shark eat them?
or should I give them to an lfs?
 
I don't know if it would eat the fry, I guess it would also depend on how big either are. I've never seen RTS very big at the LFS, usually pretty small. In terms of hiding spots, I would just get a couple of things big enough to accomodate adult size (around 5") so that you don't have to spend more later!! I have a large bell in my tank, and an half oval sort of shaped thing with an opening that sits in the gravel, all of my fish like both quite a bit. I like the bell b/c I can still see the fish inside, but it is dark enough that they still think they are hiding :D
 
Redtail sharks get about 4 inches so you need a cave large enough to hold a 4 inch fish. I don't know if they would eat sword fry or not. They are not ussually predatory but if the fry are really small I guess it's possible. They do become incresing territorial as they get older. I have one that's four inches and will bully anything that will run from it. It will harrass anything that will flee from it but doesn't bother anything that stands it ground. There is no consequence to this action and no fish has ever been harmed other than whatever psychological damage this may inflict. It has never eaten any other fish no matter how small.
 
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My old Redtail usually stayed out in the open and never hid much...though he had plenty of places to hide. He was around 4". I guess when they get older, they lose much of their shyness. Most young redtails tend to hide alot and can be seen 'headstanding' next to a plant leaf or hiding under some driftwood or in a cave structure.

Here's a picture of him...the pic is about 3 years old and the quality is rather poor. :pc:
The angelfish next to him was my big lone male(killed his mate). He was over 6" long and probably 8"-9" tall with his fins fully extended.
 
go to liveaquria.com ;)
 
Geez shouldn't had said anything about my redtail bullying his tankmates. He couldn't take the shame, came home to find his dead. He was a beautiful speciman and he will be missed. RIP.
 
My Rts Chased Everything In The Tank. He Just About Killed My Gourami. I Finally Brought Him Back To My Lfs.
 
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