Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

There are sharks and there are sharks. Below we discuss a range of freshwater aquarium sharks that you may want to consider for your fish tank. The list comprises the most common sharks kept in aquariums. These are, however, usually not technically sharks, but instead other fish species that look and act like sharks.

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks – Options

Black Sharkminnow

The black sharkminnow (labeo chrysophekadion), also known as the black labeo, is not actually a shark. It is, instead, a freshwater fish from the carp family. But that doesn’t stop it behaving like a shark!

The black shark minnow can grow up to 90 cm in size, although this may be reduced to 30-45 cm if it is kept in an aquarium. It is known for being highly aggressive. For this reason it is best to add it as the last component to your fish tank.

This is not a shark that we would recommend for beginners (despite the fact that they are often sold in petshops when young!) If you do want to keep one of these then you’ll need to:

• Feed it often (twice a day is good)
• Provide a large aquarium of 200 gallons or more.
• Avoid adding new fish to the aquarium, particularly those that swim at the middle to the top of the tank and make for mouth sized snacks
• Only keep one black sharkminnow per tank – they don’t play well with others.

Iridescent Shark

The Iridescent shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is actually a shark catfish. They are originally from the Chao Phraya and Mekong in rivers in Asia. They have since been introduced to a number of other rivers and are bred for meat.

Adult Iridescent sharks can grow up to 130 cm in length. This is a far cry from the 5-10 cm juveniles that are sold in a number of pet stores. Like the Black Sharkminnow, taking on an Iridescent shark is not an easy undertaking. But don’t worry, we’ve got some simpler options below!

If you do decide that you want one of these sharks then you’ll need to provide a large aquarium of 400 gallons or more. Smaller aquariums will stunt the grow of the shark and lead it to a premature death. A 1500 gallon aquarium is ideal if you want your shark to get to its 15/20 year old maturity.

Avoid adding new fish to the aquarium, particularly those that swim at the middle to the top of the tank and make for mouth sized snacks. Passive, but moderate sized fish make for the best fish-mates.

Silver Apollo Sharks

The Silver Apollo Shark (Luciosoma Setigerum) has a maximum size of around 9 inches when kept in an aquarium. They hail from the Malay peninsula and are related to Rasboras. As you would therefore expect, Silver Apollo Sharks are actually schooling fish.

Ideally one these freshwater aquarium sharks should be kept in a tank of at least 75 gallons. For a school of 5-6 you may want to consider a 200 gallon aquarium. They are active and will normally occupy the middle and top of their aquarium.

The Silver Apollo Shark prefers to have plants and other structures (such as driftwood) in the water as it gives them some protection and things to play with. Just be aware that they are able to jump, so you’ll need a suitable aquarium hood for your tank.

It is an omnivore and can be fed a range of foods. Everything from pellets to shrimp brine and small prawns. They do best in conditions of moderate acidity and will need a suitably strong filter. Not only will this help to keep the water clean, but it will also provide them with a current.

Freshwater Aquarium Shark: The Siamese Algae Eater

Siamese Algae Eaters (Crossocheilus oblongus) are often sold as a freshwater sharks but are in fact part of the carp family. They do, however, make great additions to your aquarium.

As you would expect from the name, they are brilliant at removing algae from your tank. They get their name from their shark like appearance, but in fact are peaceful and can be kept in community aquariums. They will grow to approximately 6 inches in size and so can be kept in tanks of 20 gallons or more. Like the Silver Apollo Sharks, Siamese Algae Eaters can jump so make sure you have a hood or lid on your aquarium!

Roseline Torpedo Shark

The Roseline Torpedo shark (Sahyadria denisonii) is also known as Denison Barb or Red-lined Torpedo barb. It can make for a great addition to a fish tank in your home or office. Their attractive looks and schooling tenancies can make for some brilliant visual displays.

The Roseline shark does not grow very big, reaching around 6 inches (15 cm) in length making it suitable for a range of home aquariums. They do best in schools. If possible, keep at least 6 in your tank. This will ensure that they play as a school and will limit the amount of bullying that takes place (either of each other or of other members of your tank).

If possible, it is best to give your Roseline shark school a tank that is at least 90 gallons in size. This will allow them plenty of room to swim and express themselves. They are omnivores and can be fed a range of foods including pellets, daphnia, shrimp and bloodworms.

Rainbow Shark

The Rainbow shark is another freshwater aquarium shark that is actually a catfish. Like the Roseline shark it grows to around 6 inches (15 cm) in size. They will normally live for a period of 5-10 years if kept in a healthy aquarium.

The Rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) are semi-aggressive. It is best to keep them out of the way of other fish. They will naturally inhabit the bottom of the tank so it is best not to add them to tanks where you have bottom dwellers such as snails or crabs. Instead, add them to tanks with fish who occupy the middle and top of the tank. Additionally, ensure that the substrate is not sharp – think sand rather than shale.

• Rainbow sharks do not naturally school and can become territorial. As such, if you are going to have more than one in your tank, ensure that:
• The tank is large enough (90 gallons or more would be preferable)

There are plenty of hiding places such as plants and aquarium shipwrecks so that the sharks can stay out of each other’s territories.

Red Tail Shark

Red Tail Sharks (Epalzeorhynchos Bicolor) have a dark blue / black body and a red tail. They grow to around 5 inches in length and will live to 5-7 years of age.

The Red Tail Shark is most at home when it has plenty of hiding places. Planted aquariums and those with driftwood or interesting aquarium features are perfect. When on show, the red tail shark, can make for a great visual display in your aquarium.

As omnivores, you can feed this freshwater aquarium shark a range of foods. Fish pellets work well, but supplementing with brine shrimp and bloodworms will help to ensure that your shark receives all the nutrients it needs.

One thing to be aware of is that the Red Tail Shark can be quite aggressive. It is normally best to keep only one in a tank, unless the tank is sufficiently (think: 100 gallons +) large to provide both fish with plenty of hiding spaces and a territory to call their own. It is also best to avoid keeping the fish with other bottom dwellers – they are likely to harass any Corys or snails that you have populating the bottom of the tank.

Bala Shark

Bala sharks (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) are a deceiving freshwater aquarium fish. They are often sold in pet shops when they are juveniles and are only 3-4 inches wrong. unfortunately many of those purchasing the Bala do not realize that it can grow to over a foot long.

Due to their size at adulthood, it is best to keep Bala sharks in a 90 gallon fish tank or larger. This will give them enough room to maneuver freely and give them the best chance of reaching full maturity.

As omnivores, you can feed Balas a range of foods. Fish pellets work well, but supplementing with brine shrimp and bloodworms will help to ensure that your shark receives all the nutrients it needs.

Unlike many of the other sharks discussed above, the Bala shark is quite passive and social. As such, it is better to keep them either in a small school of around 3 Balas (for which you’ll need a bigger tank) or at least to keep them away from aggressive fish. Having said that, it is also best to ensure that the tankmates you choose can’t easily fit into the Bala’s mouth!

Freshwater Aquarium Sharks – Conclusion

Freshwater aquarium sharks can be an incredibly interesting animal to keep in your tank. But if you are not keen to keep sharks in freshwater tank, it might be worth considering some saltwater fish instead.