red tailed shark foe or friend?

[Pallen81]

I have read an absurd amount of conflicting information about Red Tailed Sharks.

Some books/websites say they are intolerable of other smaller fish, others say only against fish that look like them. Some sources say they are evil and others say they are gentle.

What is your experience with these fish? I trust you guys more then the darn books/sites at this point...

also what do you think about rainbow sharks? belligerent or peaceful?

THANKS!

 

[YoFishboy]

The reason you see so much conflicting information, about this issue and many other fishkeeping issues, is because there is always a wide array of personal experiences related to keeping fish in an artificial environment. I have had red tails that have been bullies, great community fish, and even victims! I personally like them....an adult with rich colors can be quite striking in appearance.

I have had "peaceful" community fish that have gone postal and "aggressive" cichlids that were downright mellow to the point of being boring. The upshot is ....."your mileage may vary". To try to keep things as "predictable" as possible, follow some basic rules. Keep fish together that generally tend to be considered "compatible", and that will be of generally like size and similar water and food requirements. For the most part, get the largest tank you can and don't overcrowd. Feed enough for proper growth, but don't overfeed,and hit those water changes! Keep stress causing factors out of the tank, and provide as "natural" an environment as you can, with plenty of areas to hide and plenty of areas to swim in the open. And, yes, do your research! Best of luck to you!

 

[Pallen81]

thanks.

what do you think of a Red Tailed Shark in a 55 (many caves/plants) Gallon Tank with:

2 Large Silver Dollars
3 Zebra Danios
1 Tiger Pleco

I know its always a gamble.
-----------------------------------------------
55 Gallon:
2 Large Silver Dollars
1 Tiger Pleco
3 Zebra Danios

10 Gallon:
3 Dwarf Puffers
2 Oto's

Part Time Aquarist at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ.

 

[Dangerdoll]

Actually, I think that's a good set up for them. I had one in a 55 with angels, a pleco, danios, cories, a couple others and it was fine as long as everyone stayed away from his cave. They will not fare well though with other torpedo shaped fish, rather, it would be a gamble to place one in with him....

 

[liv2padl]

just like people, fish have different personalities. while there are generalities that apply to 'most' members of a given species, there will always be 'some' that are just different.

 

[Pallen81]

Okay, so this really is just a "luck" thing I take it. depends on the fishy. I guess I'm willing to take a chance... worst case senario I just take him back. no harm.

I've also read that red tailed sharks are nocturnal and other sites say they are not. Anyone have any experiences with that? do they come out in the light? They are pretty, I'd like to see him.

 

[YoFishboy]

thanks.

what do you think of a Red Tailed Shark in a 55 (many caves/plants) Gallon Tank with:

2 Large Silver Dollars
3 Zebra Danios
1 Tiger Pleco

I know its always a gamble.

....that it is...but I think that would probably work....except I would make it about 6-8 zebra danios....the red tail will likely try to "herd" them, which would be fine, because the spastic danios are too fast for him to harm, yet it will make for interesting tank viewing...enjoy!

P.S. Mine were generally active all day.....

 

[TimmyB42386]

Mine were active all day, and in the current case it chases after another "torpedo" shaped fish but no harm is ever done other than some running. Like he said always a gamble, but I personally love them and its well worth the risk because a specimen in good health is always striking.

 

[jonasionin]

My redtail chases everyone around the tank...but, I haven't seen him cause any physical harm to any mates as of yet. In fact, I consider it to be healthy. Everyone gets their exercise.

 

[phaedraeos]

A few good pointers that have helped me: always add the red tailed/rainbow shark last. Adding another fish to a tank that a red tail has established is looking for trouble. Also, if he starts getting territorial, re-arrange the tank so you take away his established spot.