Do you think I could add a rainbow shark?

You think it would be a good idea or bad idea to add 1 to my 55 that has a dozen tiger barbs, a firemouth, and a bulldog pleco?

 

A bad idea. Rainbow sharks get really big and can be aggressive. I wouldn't put one on less than a 6 foot tank.

 

Darn, I was hoping to add another bottom dweller that's more active and less shy then the pleco.

 

I would put some cory cats in there. They stay relatively small and add ALOT of action and personality to the tank. I would think that they would have no problems with the barbs, as I have about a half dozen peppers in with about 6 Tigers and 3 BA tetras. I have no aggression problems at all.

 

And the firemouth would leave the cories alone? Right now the cichlid is still a juvinile (inch and a half big)

 

They should be fine unless you have a breeding pair. Usually they are said to be rather passive otherwise.

 

It's just a single firemouth. I only got 1 because I don't know what I would do with hundreds of fry.

But I guess I could try a few cories.

 

I had a rainbow with tiger barbs in a 55 for over a year with no problems, I don't think a text book would recommend it but it worked for me.

 

I also think a rainbow would be fine in there. Give him his own cave and he will be a happy camper

 

Idk, I had one in a 55 and it was all over harassing my other fish.

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Meh, he has to compete with tigers, a bulldog plec and a fire mouth, I certainly hope he doesn't have much plans in terms of harassment Those are fish that can hold their own. Id try getting a smaller rainbow though, give the firemouth some time to catch up.

 

Good morning,

55g's would be the smallest tank that I would recommend for the Rainbow Shark. Profile below:
https://www.fishlore.com/profiles_rainbow_shark.htm

I have 1 in my 265g tank and sometimes it gives my Silver Dollars a good chase and at times some nipped fins. 10 years old and 6" long. They are adorable and cute, a bit shy, when they are young but when they mature and get comfortable in their surroundings then aggression issues may pop up.

If you want one, I say you have space for it. Just keep an eye open for aggression issues later on. Beautiful fish! Have a back up plan in case things do not work out well.

Agreed with Shawnie above.

Ken

 

I bought one and it jumped out the second day! I would go with a red tailed shark. I have one in my community 20 gallon and hes been in the for 2 years and is only 2.5 inches! Go with the red tailed shark!