ryan herbst

I was wondering what bottom dwellers get along with this shark. I was wondering if the clown loach would do well, and the pitcus catfish thanks

Annadvn

I wouldn't recommend clown loaches with a RTS as the RTS are con species aggressive and anything with the similar shape, red fin etc... will be chased and harassed non stop. Also clown loaches get huge and need to be kept in schools.

The pictus catfish would probably be ok, but if you want to keep these together you will need a huge tank as they will both roam the bottom of the tank and the RTS is territorial.

What size tank are you planning as the tanks you have listed in your aquarium profile wouldn't suit any of these fish.

Anna

Red1313

One note on clown and RTS compatability: the loach will eventually get to the point where he's too big for the RTS to bother. But Annadvn has the rest of it covered.

aquarist48

Hello. My Red Finned Shark (similar to the RTS) gets along great with my single Cory Cat. They have actually gotten to be buddies staying side by side searching for food. I'm amazed to say the least. Lots of good information above.
Ken

ryan herbst

I'm hoping to get a 75 gallon tank.

harpua2002

In certain cases maybe, but I keep a rainbow shark in a 75 gallon with 5 botia modesta (similar body shape, color, and size) and they don't pay any attention to each other. If you can find botia modesta in your area, I'd recommend them (in a tank 75 gallons or more only), but if you get them plan on having a semi-aggressive tank. These loaches are the most aggressive I've ever seen- not with other fish, but with each other, to the point that they would stress shy or peaceful fish with their activity level.

I agree that clown loaches are not suitable for a 75 gallon tank.

Red1313

Hmmm... the rule of thumb for RTS tank-mates is that they fit one or more of the following:
1) Too big to bother
2) Too fast to catch
3) Tough enough to hold their own.

For a second bottom dweller in the same tank it's hard to say. Since it's a 75Gal tank a Plec or catfish could work. Whatever you decide make sure to place plants and rubble on the bottom of the tank to break-up lines of sight. If you're shark can't see them all the time then any agression will be limited. Since a 75 should have alot of ground area compatability might not be that large a problem. Sorry i don't have any specific suggestions for you.

abc123d30

I've actually heard from a couple people that their RTS and clown loaches get along really well.