Red Finned Loach or Rainbow Shark?

Riso-chan

Riso-chan

The Blue Girl
Jan 17, 2005
322
0
0
41
Florida, USA
I wanted to add a larger fish to my tank to give more of a focal species or character. I researched a few species, and two caught my eye:

Rainbow Shark (Epaleorhychos Frenatum)
&
Red Finned Loach (Botio Iecontei)

From what I've read so far, it seems the red-finned loach might be a better choice. Any experience with these fish I'll gladly read if anyone posts it for me.

1.Would it be safe to add these fish with my existing species?

2.Would it be safe to add two (of only one species) fish of this type, or
should I just stick to one?

Thanx in advance:)~ Angela

BTW, The swordtail fry will most likely be given to good lfs, or be eaten by other fish, so they shouldn't affect stocking rate.
 
I have no experience with the loach, but I do have a rainbow shark, and honestly, its my favorite fish. If you went with one, remember that people have had widely varying temperments with them, some are cool, some are not. Plus they can get more aggressive with age.

Also, they dont stand their own kind or similar species, so I would say your 55g is only big enough for one. Like I said, I really like this fish and its personallity, plus they hit a decent size. Hope this helps
 
Thanx:) I've read about older age= agression with the rainbows, that's why I figured out the Red Finne Shark might be better. BTW, I actually think I may hav gotten the red-finned shark's scientific name wrong. I think it was Epalzeorynchos Frenatus, and they can be housed together If they are not in constant sight of eachother. Meaning I must let my plants grow alot more as well as adding two different hiding spots. Their ,ax size is averaged at about 6 inches.
 
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I was reading about the redfin loach again. Seems they too, suffer from name confusion. Orangefin, cherryfin, and blue loach all come up in the search engines when I type 'Botia Modesta'. I think I like them best, as they are able to be kept in groups of three or more. The only worry I'd have was if they'd attack my other fish, the zebra danios, white clouds and kuhli loaches. Not worrried about snails that much though, but they did clean up lots of algea for me, and surprisingly have not damaged any plants.
Anuy additional resources on this fish as well as experience are welcome.:)
 
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Riso-chan said:
Thanx:) I've read about older age= agression with the rainbows, that's why I figured out the Red Finne Shark might be better. BTW, I actually think I may hav gotten the red-finned shark's scientific name wrong. I think it was Epalzeorynchos Frenatus, and they can be housed together If they are not in constant sight of eachother. Meaning I must let my plants grow alot more as well as adding two different hiding spots. Their ,ax size is averaged at about 6 inches.
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Epalzeorhynchus Frenatus is the rainbow shark, Epalzeorhynchus Bicolor is the red tailed shark. Either one I think would be unsuitable to have two in a 55g. I say that because mine is in constant motion gliding all over the tank. It wouldnt take much for them to run into each other constantly, plus your hiding spots wont help much unless its simply for the one getting bullied. Mine only hits his cave when its bedtime. hope Im still helpin ;)
 
I had some Modesta loaches at one time. They were housed with several other loach species as well as a RTB shark in a community tank. They were very reclusive and prefered to hide out in the vegetation/driftwood during daylight hours. They would come out to feed then would return to their hidouts when done.
 
another fish that is good is a red tailed shark, one only though they fight with others of their type. i like mine.
 
My botia moesta do better in groups but they are much more aggressive that way as well. I keep them in a speicies specific tank for that reason... They took out the eyeball of a fishmate--hence the move.
 
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