Rainbow Shark 5cm

Rainbow Shark

A close relative to the monstrous black shark, the rainbow shark poses a far better alternative for aquarists looking to add a contrasting shark-like freshwater fish to their aquarium. The rainbow shark is actually more closely related to goldfish and carp than true sharks however its tall dorsal fin, elongated body, and shark-like tail fin make it bear a close resemblance. When it came to naming the rainbow shark there had to have been a mistake that occurred as rainbow sharks most certainly are not rainbow. They do however have some of the best contrasting colours being a dark black body with hints of navy blue.

This is stark in contrast to the deep blood red fins which really make this fish stand out in the bottom parts of the aquarium where they mostly inhabit.  Rainbow sharks are known to be fairly territorial fish and often don't tolerate others of their species unless it is a large aquarium. They are great fish to add to planted aquariums due to their rasp-like mouth that is great at dealing with green hair algae and the movement of detritus of plant leaves and other surfaces. Rainbow sharks are great for most medium to larger size community aquariums as they reach around 15cm and are fairly chunky as adults. Rainbow sharks also often get confused for the rainbow shark which is a very similar-looking species however the key difference is that the rainbow shark has red on all fins whereas the retail shark as the name suggests only has a single redfin.

Rainbow sharks also do come in an equally awesome-looking albino form which sports a while body and the same fiery red fins. Trying to find the males and females in this species is very difficult but it can be noted that males are skinnier while females are plumper. there are no other distinguishable sexual differences. They are highly unlikely to breed in an aquarium due to their highly territorial behavior and these fish only breed based on specific environmental queues. The wild habitat of the rainbow shark is in the rivers and streams of Malaysia and portions of southeast Asia.

Tank Recommendations for your Rainbow Shark

The rainbow shark is a fairly territorial fish with other tank mates but they can be kept in a community setting. The only requirement is that they need adequate space to ensure their territory is not often encroached by other fish, fr this reason the minimum tank size recommended would be 120cm long x 45 cm wide which would have a rough water volume of 370 liters. A sand substrate is advisable as this fish actively will sift through the sand looking for food. They will also appreciate large smooth rocks which they can graze algae off and will also love large pieces of driftwood and a well-planted tank where they can hide. This species depending on the individual fish can be both active at night or during the day.  

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Black shark can be aggressive however with adequate space they are fine with a wide range of aquarium species. 

Usually Compatible

Top and Mid dwelling fish such as black widow tetras, giant danios, angelfish, Congo tetras, and similar species.

Sometime Compatible

Yoyo loaches and dwarf cichlids may occupy the same water column as the rainbow shark along with small tetra species such as neon or cardinal tetras. 

Rarely Compatible

Other rainbow sharks and larger highly aggressive species such as Oscars.

Feeding your Rainbow Shark 

The rainbow shark is a very easy fish to feed. It is an opportunistic feeder and will readily eat a wide range of foods being both dry, fresh, and frozen. Their diet should contain good quality sinking pellets with frozen food that have high protein such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feeding should occur once a day and it is best to do so during the afternoon.