Red-Fin Shark vs. Otocinclus

[Liquid Ray]

I have a six-week old 10g tank. I currently have 3 neon tetras and 1 red fin shark. I tried introducing an oto cat yesterday to the community. He, of course, is very peaceful. However, he's being harassed mercilessly by the red fin. I'm wondering if a) I should add another oto to the community for some support (if that's possible?) or b) try to arrange some alternate living conditions for one of them (which I don't have anything set up right now). Right now the oto is hiding in my plants, but I don't want him to starve or get beaten up.

Thanks for helping!

 

[Squawkbert]

Welcome to AC.

I'd either get rid of the shark or get rid of the Oto and look for a much bigger tank.

 

[jpappy789]

Eh, redfin (rainbow) shark in a ten gallon? You should see if you can return it now because you will need to eventually. Or get a larger tank (the larger the better)

 

[gregm]

Rainbow Sharks grow to about 6" I believe.

 

[SnowHeart]

Hi Liquid Ray. Sadly, I have to concur with the others. The redtail (redfin) is going to grow too large for that tank fairly quickly (really needs a 29g or more). So, I'd either return him to the store, or return the oto and plan on getting a bigger tank in a few months.

 

[palmbreeze]

After you figure out what to do with the shark. (coughbiggertankcough) Ottos are great little fish, but they like to kept in groups, I'd say at least three. They can be a bit sensative to water so keep it clean for them.

 

[Woofy]

besides the fact that the shark will get big, they are semi agrressive. They arent really good for community tanks with sissy fish otos would be great for your 10g. very cute and small, a nice little group of 3+ would be great.

 

[jm1212]

it would be better to get a snail for a 10 gallon than otos (though it is still not a good mix for a RTBS) because of bioload's sake, but if you are willing to go without a centerpiece and have a school of neons and a small group of otos, it could work.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

great options.....

 

[Liquid Ray]

So what I did was...

Take the red fin back to the place I purchased it from and told them that he was being very aggressive towards his tank mates. With a heavy heart I handed him over as the guy at the aquarium store offered to give me something else in exchange (by the way, this is the same guy who sold me 3, yes three red fins, to start up my tank. As you can imagine, that didn't turn out well...). I got two Panda Corys who I hope will get on with everyone else in the tank.

I would love to have purchased a larger tank and use the 10g for a quarantine tank, but that's just not feasible for me right now. However, I am really concerned about maxing out the bioload on this little unit.

Thanks everyone for all the advice!