sharkguy102003

I have a 10 gallon tank with a rainbow shark and a clown pleco. I just recently obtained a 55 gallon tank, and would like to make it a shark tank. I know that rainbow sharks should not be kept with the same species, but are there other species of freshwater sharks that can be mixed in with the rainbow shark? Would a few bala sharks be ok with a rainbow shark? Any other suggestions?

Nick Goody

Sharks are really best kept alone in a tank, unless it is HUGE. In my opinion 55gal isn't big enough for Bala Sharks, and you'd only be able to keep 1 Rainbow or red tail shark.

mathas

Nick Goody has hit both key points that would make using a 55g for a "shark only" tank problematic... fish size and fish temperament.

Bala sharks can reach up to 16" in length, which is not a good idea in a tank that's only 13" wide.

The iridescent shark can reach over 4 feet in length, which is more than just a bad idea in a 48x13" tank.

The columbian shark is really a brackish/marine fish, despite how some fish stores market them.

Red-tail and rainbow sharks are territorial enough that keeping more than one in a 55g could be difficult.