Aquariums are fantastic pieces to have around the home that can create a sense of peace and tranquility. There are many types of aquariums that can be maintained from cold water to tropical and each variation has its own set of wonderful fish to discover. There are several different types of freshwater aquarium sharks, and which one you choose will depend on the size of tank you have.
A shark can be a beautiful addition to any household tank, but be sure to do your homework with them first. Some are very territorial and can attack other fish, while others require a hiding place. Also, it is never a good idea to keep more than one type of shark in the tank and this can cause aggressive behavior in some species.
One of the best types of shark is the Bala or Silver Shark, this is a very peaceful shark that looks a lot like the real thing. They are compatible with most other fish, but can get very large. In some cases, they can reach lengths of up to 12 inches. To keep this fish, it’s best to have a school of around six of them, which means your tank will need to be at least 90 gallons in size.
The rainbow shark is quite striking, it has a greenish-black body with bright orange or red fins. This fish must be an exclusive purchase, as it will become aggressive with other sharks in its territory. On average they grow to about 5 inches and make sure the fish will feed it so that it has enough room to hide if it has one of its tantrums. A tank of at least 29 gallons is recommended for this fish.
The red-tailed shark is similar in most respects to the rainbow, its body is darker in color and only the tail fin is colored, but it has the same aggressive tendencies as the rainbow.
Another option is the Albino Ruby Shark, which has a cream-colored body with red or orange fins. It is a good community fish and rarely becomes aggressive, it can be kept in schools of up to three, but if the tank is smaller, only one is recommended. This fish can grow to around 6 inches or more and make sure you have a cave or log for them to hide. They’re also great bridges, so make sure the lid fits well and you’re prepared when it comes to cleaning the tank.
There are also sail fin sharks that have larger dorsal fins, they can fight each other so it is better to keep them as a single fish rather than a school, but they are generally peaceful with other species. However, it is not recommended to keep them with small fish, as they can eat them. These fish can grow to about 2.5 inches long.
When considering fish for any tank, you should seek the advice of an expert, as factors such as the size of the tank and other occupants will have an impact on what you can and cannot put in. Some fish are fin clamps, so having them with other fish that have large fins or tails is a bad idea as they will intimidate and nibble on the fins of other fish.
Similarly, you need to understand the maximum size of each type of fish to ensure that there is enough room in the aquarium for them to grow and live comfortably. If a fish cannot grow to its natural size and is held back by its room, it will most likely die younger and have other problems related to stunted growth. They may just be fish, but you should be aware of their needs and do your best to respect and care for them.
Fish are no different from any other pet you may have, each has its own list of requirements and in order for them to live a happy and healthy life, they need to be able to grow and move freely. If you can’t afford a large tank, make sure you go for a smaller shark and only have one. It’s also a good idea to keep the rest of the inhabitants small to make sure everyone has enough room to move and grow.
If you are in doubt as to which shark will follow your current setup, speak to a member of staff at any good aquarium store, as they have the training and knowledge to be able to recommend the best shark for you.