Rainbow Shark

The Rainbow Shark is a striking freshwater fish with a dark body and brilliant red/orange fins. Despite the name, they are not true sharks but cyprinids related to barbs and minnows. They are territorial bottom-dwellers that establish territories in caves and crevices. Each Rainbow Shark needs its own territory and should never be kept with other Rainbow Sharks or Red Tail Sharks unless in very large tanks (100+ gallons with multiple territories). They are excellent algae eaters and add color to the bottom of community tanks.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Rainbow Sharks need territories and caves to claim as their own.

Essential Setup:

• 30+ gallons minimum
• Caves, driftwood, rock formations
• Plants (may be uprooted)
• Strong filtration
• One territory per shark

Water Quality

• Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Water Hardness: Moderate (5-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Primarily herbivorous:

• Algae wafers (staple)
• Vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, spinach
• Spirulina flakes
• Occasional protein

Behavior & Compatibility

Territorial and semi-aggressive:

• Territorial: Defends chosen area fiercely
• Bottom dweller: Stays on substrate
• Aggression: Directed at similar-looking fish
• Single specimen: Only one per tank (usually)

Compatible Tank Mates:

• Fast-swimming upper fish: Danios, Barbs
• Medium cichlids (robust)
• Avoid other bottom dwellers

Never Keep With:

• Other Rainbow Sharks
• Red Tail Sharks
• Corydoras (may bully)
• Other bottom dwellers

Territory Defense

• Claims caves, driftwood, rock piles
• Chases intruders from territory
• May be aggressive during establishment
• Usually calms after territory established

Color Variations

• Standard: Dark body, red fins
• Albino: White/pink body, red fins (most common variant)
• GloFish: Genetically modified colors

Breeding

Very difficult in aquariums:

• Egg layers
• Commercial breeding
• Sexing difficult