Rainbow sharks are unique fish that can be very fun and rewarding to keep.
But, like any other species, you need to know their general behavior and temperament before introducing them to your aquarium.
So are rainbow sharks aggressive? What fish can rainbow sharks live with? You can clear these queries with helpful information here. Let’s get started!
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Are Rainbow Sharks Aggressive?
The answer is yes. Rainbow sharks are aggressive; however, it depends on tankmates. Besides, if they do not have enough space or their territory is threatened, they’ll defend it.
For that reason, having a giant enough aquarium is so important. When raised in the right amount of space, these fish usually get along well with other fish.
Remember that some fish shouldn’t be kept along with rainbow sharks. Some rainbow sharks may be naturally more aggressive than others and become more territorial over time.
As a result, you should use caution when introducing rainbow sharks to others. With their territorial nature, rainbow sharks are not ideal for new aquarists.
Ideal Tank Mates for Rainbow Sharks
Rainbow sharks usually live near the bottom of rivers in their natural habitat.
That means these fish will dwell near the bottom of your tank and may stake a claim on tunnels, caves, and any hiding area available.
So you should avoid keeping them with tank mates that dwell on the bottom.
Here is a list of fish that should not be kept with rainbow sharks in the tank.
- Cichlids.
- Catfish.
- Bala sharks.
- Red tail sharks.
Rather, picking species that dwell in the middle or top of your aquarium is wise. They should have the ability to defend if needed.
Here are some examples of good rainbow shark tank mates:
- Danios.
- Gouramis.
- Rasboras.
- Loaches.
- Rainbowfish.
Read more: Proper Black Ghost Knife Tank Mates
Schooling fish typically don’t live well with rainbow sharks as they like to swim near the bottom most of the time.
But barbs are an exception and have been known to cohabitate with rainbow shark fish.
Placing other fish in a tank with rainbow sharks is always risky because of their semi-aggressive nature.
So, you should place other fish in the tank before introducing rainbow sharks. That way, your sharks will most likely not see the aquarium as their territory.
Also, you should give various plants and other materials for your fish to hide behind.
They will keep other fish safer, and rainbow sharks are far less likely to attack as they cannot see others.
Rainbow sharks also rarely show aggression towards fish of the same size.
They typically assert their dominance over smaller individuals but are less likely to do the same with ones of the same size.
In addition, rainbow sharks may become aggressive toward others with a similar appearance. So, red-tailed sharks should not be kept in the same aquarium.
Sometimes, rainbow sharks may become aggressive with each other. The cause could be one is trying to assert dominance over others.
So, we recommend including at least five sharks if you want to keep multiple ones.
When breeding rainbow sharks, keep an eye on the pair to see if one is attempting to assert dominance over the other.
If this happens, you must remove one of your fish, then look for another pair to breed.
Read more: Breeding Rainbow Sharks
What Do Rainbow Sharks Eat?
In the wild, these fish are primarily omnivores, eating a lot of larvae, algae, and bits of meat.
In captivity, they eat all the algae that naturally forms in the aquarium.
It is okay to give them algae in flake, wafer, or tablet form if there are not enough algae inside your aquarium for them to dine on.
Algae are considered a common part of the rainbow sharks’ diet, but they require a balanced diet.
Here are some great food options that rainbow sharks will enjoy and can help them stay healthy:
- Brine Fish.
- Insect larvae.
- Fish granules.
- Crustaceans.
- Tubifex worms.
- Aquatic insects.
- Frozen bloodworms.
For a bit of variety, we recommend adding raw peas, chopped cucumber, or pieces of spinach.
Ideally, feed your rainbow sharks various animal and plant materials. Feed them at regular intervals, about two or three times per day.
Avoid overfeeding your rainbow sharks. Give only what they can consume during a single meal, and don’t compensate for skipped meals by giving them food.
It is essential to pay attention to your rainbow shark’s diet while they are still a juvenile. Feed young sharks various vegetation to ensure proper growth.
Individuals that don’t receive adequate vegetation while they are still young may be stunted, and their fins aren’t as brightly colored as they should be.
FAQs
Are Rainbow Sharks Fin Nippers?
Yes, these fish may well nip the finds of other fish. It is an instinctive behavior that enables them to defend themselves against threats.
Do Rainbow Sharks Bite?
When threatened or if these fish are fighting over their territory, they’ll not hesitate to bite. These fish may also bite dying or dead fish.
Hence, it is essential to remove any corpses from your tank immediately to avoid illness.
What Can Live With a Rainbow Shark?
Fish that tend to live in the top half of your tank are the best tank mates for your rainbow sharks. Here are some possible tankmates:
- Barbs.
- Angelfish.
- Bettas.
- Gouramis.
- Rasboras.
- Rainbow fish.
- Congo Tetras.
- Zebra Danios.
- Nerite Snails.
- Ghost shrimps.
How Many Can Rainbow Sharks Be Kept in My Tank?
It is best to keep only one rainbow shark in your tank as these fish are so territorial. If you want to keep more than one rainbow shark, you should keep at least five.
Why Are My Rainbow Sharks Fighting?
If you keep these fish in a too-small aquarium or introduce them to a tank with incompatible tank mates, they can become aggressive. They may also fight over food, oxygen, and territory.
Conclusion
Are rainbow sharks aggressive? These fish may become aggressive if you keep them in a too-small aquarium or with incompatible tankmates.
If you choose their tank mates wisely and deliver enough food, space, caves, plants, and rocks, rainbow sharks are typically pretty calm fish.
Rainbow sharks are beautiful fish that can provide years of joy to fish keepers. But they don’t seem ideal for beginners.
