Red Tail Shark Tank Mates

[83jase]

HI all changed mind stocking again was doing another tetra sub species tank

This tank is 4ft 260lt from memory

Currently have 6 x Columbian red and blue Congo fresh out the QT

Future stocking
1x red tip shark
1x pearl gourami
2x angelfish
10x Columbian tetras
6x empire tetras
6x zebra danios
6x Cory cats
3x nerite snails

List edited and updated I'm open to ideas and changes

Think I'm getting very very close to be full keep in mind I run 2x fluval 306 on my 4ft tanks and power head so water filtration and turn over isn't a issue

I did have plans for 2 x khulI loaches and 6 x Cory's for bottom clean up crew but with more research on the red tail has me questioning it

since the red tail shark is bit of a bottom dweller and semI aggressive could this be a problem for the khulI loaches a d or corys plenty hide spots through plants rocks and drift Wood

Throw me some suggestions or different list for stocking I'm open to ideas

Thanks all in advance

 

[nikm128]

That should all be fine because redtails are usually only aggressive towards eachother

 

[83jase]

Oh OK read already dozen care sheets most are conflicting always best to ask her with real life experience is there anything you would do to change the list line I would like a active yet kinda colourful fish stand out with the black background and black iron sand being in Australia seems to be some limits esp on the goldcoast aus all lfs are closing down and the chains are taking over sad

 

[nikm128]

Well I’ve never seen or had cory’s and loaches with my redtail so I can’t help there but as far as more color there are lots of things you could do. Really anything in the warm color section will stand out a lot

 

[83jase]

Would a single pearl gourami be alright with the angels

 

[nikm128]

Yeah that’s fine, I can’t give a very detailed list at the moment though because I’m at school

 

[83jase]

Done bit more research seems the barbs and angel isn't a good mix as the barbs are fin nippers back to the drawing board geez it's hard to have a variety of fish that get along time for xanax Dosing lol j/k

 

[nikm128]

That’s mostly true but it also depends on the type of barb and the school size, I have three gold barbs with my angels and they keep eachother entertained enough to not cause problems

 

[83jase]

So they can Co-exist. Was looking at the tiger barbs 6 of with 2 Angels and pearl gourami there my main concern secondary concern red tail shark harassing smaller fish to exhaustion seems overwhelming I've only stuck to tetra sub species where my knowledge and comfort is I want different this tankaybe I'm just over thinking it been to over cautious

 

[nikm128]

I’ll give you the stocking list of my tank to help ease your concern. (It is currently a bit overstocked due to some size mistakes I made)
2 angelfish
3 gold barbs
1 opaline gourami
1 crayfish
1 common pleco
1 redtail shark
2 bala sharks
3 pictus catfish
I am about to upgrade for the bala’s and pictus

 

[83jase]

Thanks mate do smallest fish you have is the barbs no issues with the red tail and the Common pleco

 

[nikm128]

Yeah the barbs are barely 2” and they have had no problems

 

[83jase]

Awesome mate champion

 

[nikm128]

Anything else I can help you with?

 

[83jase]

Good now mate I didn't you can read and read get a different story every time more easing speaking with those who have keep this species thanks again

 

[nikm128]

I know right, it’s so annoying. Glad I could help though

 

[83jase]

Really appreciated on a side note don't trust auto-correct and pre read got me good last post haha

Finally come up with a list I think is going to work the tank is 4ft 260lt med planted driftwood rocks plenty hiding spots filtration 2x fluval 306s and power head also

1x red tip shark
1x pearl gourami
2x angelfish
6x Columbian tetras
6x empire tetras
6x zebra danios
6x raboras
6x Cory cats
3x nerite snails

I know it's quiet full and at the Max what do you guys think of this line up for compatability

 

[nikm128]

Looks good, I think I was actually considering suggesting columbian tetras earlier too

 

[83jase]

Would 6x tiger barbs be pushing my luck it's looking well stocked top to bottom

 

[nikm128]

I think if you want to do the tiger barbs it’d be better if you substituted them for something else

 

[83jase]

Got ya thanks for all your help mate if your fellow gold coast aus I believe I owe you a beer

 

[nikm128]

Well I live in the U.S. and can’t drink yet otherwise I’d probably take you up on that offer

 

[83jase]

Bugger and yes bugger that 21

 

[Lauren4events]

I think if you want to do the tiger barbs it’d be better if you substituted them for something else

Sorry I didn’t read through everything, but with the shark, I would avoid anything with a red or orange color or tail. My red tail shark did not get along well with my red velvet swordtails. Also, from my experience, the red tail shark needs plenty of hiding places. So make sure you have those to avoid aggression with tank mates in general. My shark does well with others when he has plenty of logs and places to hide in. Without it, he becomes unhappy and very aggressive.

 

[83jase]

Thanks for that interesting about the colour that rules out Columbian tetra which I already have won't part with I love these guys and raboaras haven't got yet. The hiding spots there is abundance from.rock caves to driftwood and plants so if that's the case red tip shark might not be right for this tank
Might have to drop the rts from the list

Thanks

 

[nikm128]

How many of the columbian tetras do you have?

 

[83jase]

Have 6 of them

 

[nikm128]

If you increase that school by 2-3 I expect the redtail will leave them alone, tetras also school very tightly around larger semI aggressive fish to avoid looking like a snack.

 

[83jase]

That's neat I've only had tetras around there own subspecies so never observed this I can 2 or 3 might aswell go a even 10 Don't know why but I love the Colombians

Would I be best to drop the rasboras had intentions of adding 6 but giving colour and extra footprint from the columbians

List edited

1x red tip shark
1x pearl gourami
2x angel fish
10x Columbian tetras
6x empire tetras
6x zebra danios
6x Cory cats
3x nerite snails

 

[dojafish]

Zebra danios and most commonly available species of corydoras thrive in slightly cooler tropical temperatures than everyone else. You may have to forego the Zebra Danios (and any danio species for that matter) if you prefer the gourami and/or angels.

For cory cats, you may want to consider Bronze Cory, Albino Cory, Emerald Cory, and even SterbaI Cory if you can find them at a decent price. These species handle warmer temperatures well enough. You may want to up their numbers as they are a heavy shoaling fish as observed in the wild, literally by hundreds. Get at least 10 for the footprint of a 260L tank, more would be better.

I would also recommend for angelfish that you either get just one, get an established M/F pair, or you get at least 4 small ones and let a pair form naturally and rehome the rest. Reason being because when Angelfish mature there's a good chance one will beat up the other, even if it were a M/F duo, the female could just not like the male at all or vice-versa.

You could do a couple Pearl Gourami if you decide to do just one Angel. Some people may say that males will inevitably fight but I'm housing two male Pearl Gourami and a Gold Three-Spot Gourami in a 75 gallon and they get along well.

One more thing; when stocking the tank, stock the shark last. As in, he's the last one to be added to the tank to complete the final stocking. He will be mellow when young but once he matures his true attitude will surface. Still, provide lots of caves, plants/decorations to break line of sight. He will probably still chase others around, especially those in similar body shape and color, but there shouldn't be any repercussions in doing so.

 

[83jase]

OK awesome thanks for that thought to ad the shark last so everyone can pick there territory first I have a large opening in on spot I will throw in another tall plant help break more line of sight

I thought of a lot of things in getting this community together but the obvious main temps thank you for pointing that out

You raise a lot of valid points

New stocking list

1x red tip shark
2x pearl gourami
1x angel fish
10x Columbian tetras
6x empire tetras
10x Cory cats (albino,bronze,emerald,sterbai)
3x nerite snails

What other fish that will play nice I can add in
Only thing comes to mind is black skirt tetra
Trying to keep as much colour as possible in this tank


Thanks for your reply and to everyone so far truly appreciated

 

[nikm128]

You could add a common pleco

 

[Wraithen]

Dont add a common pleco please. There are so many bright colorful plecos to choose from that won't outgrow that tank.

 

[nikm128]

What’s wrong with a pleco in a 70 gallon tank?

 

[Wraithen]

What’s wrong with a pleco in a 70 gallon tank?

A trinidad aka common pleco needs much more than a 70 gallon. My 180 isn't truly big enough for a common. There are a ton of other kinds of plecos that won't outgrow a 70 gallon. Clowns, bristlenoses, zebra, etc.

 

[Lauren4events]

OK awesome thanks for that thought to ad the shark last so everyone can pick there territory first I have a large opening in on spot I will throw in another tall plant help break more line of sight

I thought of a lot of things in getting this community together but the obvious main temps thank you for pointing that out

You raise a lot of valid points

New stocking list

1x red tip shark
2x pearl gourami
1x angel fish
10x Columbian tetras
6x empire tetras
10x Cory cats (albino,bronze,emerald,sterbai)
3x nerite snails

What other fish that will play nice I can add in
Only thing comes to mind is black skirt tetra
Trying to keep as much colour as possible in this tank


Thanks for your reply and to everyone so far truly appreciated

I wouldn’t add the shark with all of those Columbian tetras, but that’s just me. The red tail shark has become my favorite fish but he’s fussy about tankmates. Every fish has its own personality. So your shark might be a good addition and get along with the other fish. But as a general rule, they shouldn’t be kept with other red tailed fish. It could end in a disaster. I’ve seen that to be true from experience. But again, every fish is different so you can make that call for yourself. Just throwing out my last bit of advice. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[nikm128]

Isn’t the ability to keep such a large fish also dependent on the dimensions of the tank as well? For example if someone found a cube shaped tank with 3 foot sides (no idea how many gallons that’d be) they could easily keep one of these big guys?

 

[83jase]

Could go a few nice peppermint bristlenose only problem I see with the nerites they would be substitute feed as it is and same as the bristlenose as my tanks very clean even the QT is Cory's be fine scabbing what ever is down there on the bottom

 

[83jase]

Lauren any suggestions for replacement of my beloved Columbians. I didn't see a thing about that tail colour until you mentioned it now I've seen it a few times. So hard to please a community tank unless it's all tetras now I remember why I ventured out lol

Nikm82. Pretty sure common pleco grows up-to 1.5ft I hope I haven't got the wrong species name here local aquarium has them in 6ft x2ft x2ft a couple of they look cramped but geez they look good and mean too

 

[Wraithen]

What about diamond tetra, or possibly rainbowfish?

 

[83jase]

Seems to me no matter what way I turn hitting a wall finding a balance of happy community tank that won't end in a disaster going back to what I know and comfortable I thank each and every one of you for your times and effort it's truly appreciated.

Stocking list now

2x pearl gourami ??
1x angelfish ??
6x Columbian tetras
6x empire tetras
6x black skirt tetras
6x serpae tetras
8x tiger barbs
8x Cory cats(albino,bronze,emerald,sterbai)
3x nerite snails
3x khulI loaches

Think this is where I'm at with lineup sadly the rts has to go slot of valid points with possible aggression rather avoid that not relaxing watching your tank on the boxing channel I use my tanks to escape reality and unplug. I'm unsure if the angel and gourami will be greif feel there might be trouble angel more so let me know what you think I'm solid on this list for this tank next one will be a 6fter look at more larger and predator style tank

 

[83jase]

Wraithen got a few diamond tetra in my other tank look great when the light hits them in the right spot there behaviour and temperament is just like Congo tetra and Columbian beautiful fish

Thought about rainbow esp being native to my home land although then can get rather large they remind me of a larger version of the Congo tetra

 

[Wraithen]

Also, not to throw this into the mix but the rts just doesn't like things that look like it, or get in its space. The cories might get harrassed, but from what I can gather, the rts usually won't try to hurt anyone. Ive been researching them myself lately. Its not red that gets you into trouble as much as body shape. Your congos would probably be fine. Things like bloodfin tetra would be dead quickly though.

 

[Lauren4events]

Lauren any suggestions for replacement of my beloved Columbians. I didn't see a thing about that tail colour until you mentioned it now I've seen it a few times. So hard to please a community tank unless it's all tetras now I remember why I ventured out lol

Nikm82. Pretty sure common pleco grows up-to 1.5ft I hope I haven't got the wrong species name here local aquarium has them in 6ft x2ft x2ft a couple of they look cramped but geez they look good and mean too

You may just want to replace the shark, since you seem to really want the Colombians. Also, a lot of red tail sharks will spend a majority of their time hiding, especially as juveniles. My red tail shark only comes out when the lights are off and I am away from the tank. Other red tail sharks I’ve had, were out a lot more... but still liked hiding a lot.

In general, whether they are hidden or not, they will spend most of their time dwelling at the bottom of the tank. They are especially peaceful with fish that dwell in higher water, but they are known for fighting with bottom dwelling fish. And with fish similar in coloring. But not always. I’m concerned about the Cory cats with the shark as well. I would think they wouldn’t be a good match, but I have no personal experience on keeping them together. So I could be wrong. But personally, I wouldn’t.

Sharks can have a wide range of personalities. However, even the most peaceful of sharks, have a territorial nature that can be stressful to other fish as well.

I have had the most luck keeping the red tail shark with livebearing fish, such as mollies. These fish were always mating and chasing each other. So they left the shark alone. And in return, he did the same. But I do NOT recommend livebearers. They will turn a happy and healthy tank into an overcrowded one fast. I’ve been told the shark does well with Gouramis, Barbs, Danios and Rainbowfish. They all make sense based on what I know about the shark, but no personal experience keeping them together.

My current red tail shark, named Swim Shady loves hiding in logs. He’s about 2 years old now and at least 6 inches. He used to have tank mates but not anymore. Long story that’s not relevant to your situation. I don’t think it would be a good idea to add fish into his territory at this point. I have 3 large tanks, and he gets one to himself. In the wild, they tend to be solitary fish. It’s much easier to have the shark as a community fish when he’s a juvenile though and either added to the tank at the same time as the rest, or even better—added last.

I think this has already been said, but you will also reduce aggression by having a large tank, with a low fish to water ratio, and lots of hiding places, such as caves, tunnels and other hollowed décor. The shark tends to jump when first added to a new aquarium. So be mindful of this and make sure you have a lid.

You might enjoy the Colombians more though.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the shark. But if you want something you are going to see a lot, it might not be the fish for you.
Sorry I can’t be more help. I’m just not as familiar with the other fish on your list as I am with the shark.

 

[dojafish]

Red tails definitely have an attitude. Personally I've found Rainbow Sharks to be a lot more lenient in community tanks.

Serpae Tetras and Tiger Barbs may not be a good match for angelfish and gouramis. They're curious buggers that like to nibble at things and long fins and feelers are a perfect candidate to be curious about. I've had introduced 10 serpaes into a tank with pearl gouramis before, and wound up having to take them out by the end of the week because they completely tore off a gouramis feelers...

It's mostly body shape that sharks get mad about. Columbian tetras have a very deep, flat body and I've read them to be more mid water dwellers, seems typical of hyphessobrycons. I didn't make mention of there being an issue for those reasons. My red tail shark didn't bother much, although occasionally gave chase to someone but there were never any damage done. I've had black skirt tetras housed with them just fine. Although I must agree, I didn't stock bottom dwellers aside from loaches such as Striata botia and clown loach, although similar in body shape and red fins with black markings. Somehow they fare just fine. Perhaps something to consider? Well, not clown loaches unless you have a massive tank to put them in a couple years down the line.

What is your goal in stocking? What fish(es) are a must-have in your stocking?

 

[83jase]

Thank you both for the in depth replies

As for stocking Columbia tetras are a must if it's going to prove to be such a problem I can remove them to my other tank but ideally would like them In This tank too

Ultimately I'm after a rts wanted to steer away from tetras for a change


Current propeased stocking list

2x pearl gourami ??
1x angelfish ??
6x Columbian tetras
6xempire tetras
6x black skirt tetras
6x serpae tetras
8x tiger barbs
8x Cory cats(albino,bronze,emerald,sterbai)
3x nerite snails
3x khulI loaches


Removed the rts because of the Colombians. Serpae andtiger barbs and khulI possibly the Cory I'm truly lost every way I turn I'm Conflicting as I'm trying to create varied community tank but combinations keep failing and going back to tetras as above list shows from the first

 

[dojafish]

So you want to prioritize Columbian tetras and hopefully Red Tail Shark? Other than that, prefer to steer away from tetra-heavy stocking. Okay. How about this:

1 Red Tail Shark
1 Angelfish
2 Pearl Gourami
10 Columbian Tetra
10 Long Fin Tiger Barb (OR 10 Long Fin Serpae Tetra)
12 Albino Cory
5 Zebra Loach (aka Botia Striata)

Personally I would urge caution Tiger Barb and Serpae Tetra as they are notorious find nippers and put the Angel and Gouramis at risk, I would recommend you have a school of 10+ and if possible the long Fin variety to help discourage Fin nipping. Long fins make them a bit slow so they're not as zippy neither.

I'm honestly not too sure about the KuhlI Loach with the shark. I don't think I've read much about those being kept together. I still think Cory are a bit too slow to realize someone wants to harass them, and even then they are a bony-plated fish. I have a lot going on in a grow-out 55 gallon and the peppered corys I have in there seem totally oblivious to it all. I even have a Black Shark juvenile in there who doesn't bother with them.

If you do want to go with KuhlI Loach, I would advise you get at least 10 of them. They're also a sociable fish like the corydoras.

 

[83jase]

I can remove the Colombians of need to another tank if it's going to cause dramas that's last thing I want to achiev I didn't know the serpaes where fin nippers increased size of the barbs to minimise any issue

With the kuhlI loaches haven't read a great deal where they can be prey. Really interesting it does pay to ask on the forum this info I'm getting I haven't found only bits n pieces

The list line up looks good... never seen long fin tiger barbs at lfs might be a internet order
Job

Still feel out of my comfort zone with the rts angel and gourami never had them before it would like to see it happen peacefully with minimal stress to tank mates

Thank you for your time

 

[NewFishGuyInTown]

I feel like my tank has been stocked just to answer your question..lol. I have a red tail with some golden and cherry barbs... 2 Cory's, 4 r n b tetras, a pearl gourami, 2 striped kulI loaches and 2 giant Danios in my heavily planted 55gal. The red tip has shown very little aggression. Only time I've seen is when a single piece of food is in one area...like just dropping in one veggie wafer.

 

[nj_leo_1044]

My RTS gets a bit nippy with my tiger barbs, but can't single one out. I don't think you should have a problem considering the large stocking you have.