Red Finned Shark Questions

I have a young red finned shark, about 2 months old named Fin. I was told that I would need to upgrade to a 55 gallon tank once my fish gets both older and bigger. About how long do I have before my fish becomes too uncomfortable? Also, can anyone tell me if Fin is a girl or a boy (based on what I've read Fin fits the descriptions of a female more)?
I've attached an of my fish and an of the tank setup I have. It is hard to tell by the , but my fish is about an inch, no more than an inch and a half in length.
My fish seems healthy. Color is pretty good and Fin is eating well a few times each day. Fin is also very active, swimming about the plants and in and out of the rock I have.

 

Hello and welcome to the forum!

I'm not as certain about the answer to your question, but thought I'd chime in and let you know that you don't actually have a red tail shark, that's a rainbow shark Very similar, though, and will get about the same size and grow at about the same rate. The best I can say is upgrade as soon as possible, for sure by the time he doubles in size.

 

What is the longest size that a fish can grow to be, considering that I only have the one fish, in the 5 gallon tank?

 

Rainbow Sharks can get up to 6", and most people suggest a tank no less than 55g. They are very territorial, and can get a little aggressive. Your 5 gallon is best for a Betta, invertebrates, and maybe you can do a nano setup. I highly recommend you rehoming the Rainbow Shark.

 

Correct, that is a Rainbow Shark. His color isn't good actually.. he is stressed. You can tell by how grey he is. A healthy rainbow sharks body will be dark black with bright red fins.

The longer you wait to upgrade him, the more stunted he will become. A 5 gallon is just way too small, even for a young one.
He should be upgraded immediately or returned to the lfs.
If you decide to upgrade his tank, may I recommend getting lots of live plants and maybe a hollow log or cave.. They are very territorial and need something to claim as their own

 

I didn't realize it was only a 5 gallon. For sure look into upgrading or rehomeing very soon.

 

I read online that considering I will be housing the fish alone a 35 gallon tank could suffice. Is this true?

 

I read online that considering I will be housing the fish alone a 35 gallon tank could suffice. Is this true?

No. I agree with 55 gallon being the minimum. Not only do they get big (fast too, btw) but they like to explore and swim all day. They need space

 

Sex I.D.

Males have black outline on their analfin and female analfin is totally red. I also have a question. I want to shift my 4 rainbow sharks 2black and 2albino in a outdoor pond which will be 5ft deep, 4ft wide, 7ft long... Temprature here in summer in summer is 30°C-47°C and in winter 4°C-20°C... Please suggest me will they survive in it... What are the aquatic plants that will be good for them...

 

I've purchased a 55 gallon tank for pick up locally tomorrow. How many founds of gravel do I need? I've estimated at least 45 pounds, but I'd like to know for sure.

 

About 55-65lbs. It will also depend on how you scape the tank.

 

I've purchased a 55 gallon tank for pick up locally tomorrow. How many founds of gravel do I need? I've estimated at least 45 pounds, but I'd like to know for sure.

The general rule is a pound per gallon, but I agree that it depends how you aquascape it.
I recommend determining what stock you want first. When I set up my 55g, I didnt know certain bottom dwellers prefer sand

 

When I set up my 55g, I didnt know certain bottom dwellers prefer sand

Including rainbow sharks.