martynmarion

Due to a problem in one of my tanks, I had to move a fairly aggressive dwarf gourami (neon) into a 10 gallon tank that contains 2 gold barbs and a rainbow shark. I don't think the barbs will be a problem, but I am concerned about the shark. I made the move this am, but will not be back to check on the tank until tomorrow. There was no problem today, but ...

What does the future hold? Any guesses?

Barbrella

Rainbow sharks get way too big for a 10 gal tank, and the smaller the space the more aggressive and territorial they will become. They can be relentless in their harassment of smaller fish. So you'll need to get a new home for him.

Chief_waterchanger

Barbrella hit the nail on the head.

martynmarion

I'm gettting a 55 gallon for Xmas-so I will move him then. Other questions-A. In your opinion, will the shark and gourami get along until Christmas, or do I need to make other arrangements. B. I've read somewhere that rainbow sharks do better by themselves. In a 55 gal. tank, does this hold true, or can I add another if I have some caves (hiding places/territory) for them?

Thanks for helping out the inexperienced fish keeper.

Barbrella

In a 55 gal, you can try adding a second one, but set up caves and hiding places at either end of the tank, with lots of plants, rocks, etc between them to break up their view and territory.

If one is constantly harassing the other, you'll have to take one back to the petstore, since a fish who is not allowed to eat and is being bullied will not survive.

They do best in tanks with other large fish who inhabit the upper regions of the tanks and who are not too slow-moving. Don't keep them with small fish.

nickf5

I have a small rainbow shark and a couple of dwarf gouramis in a 40 gal tank and there are no problems. I realize i'll need to move the rainbow when he gets bigger than 4 or 5 inches, but at the moment they're doing fine.