Cycling 55 Gallon Tank - What Can Live With A Red Tailed Shark?

[Canadian Fish]

I am a novice at this hobby. Up until now we've just kept twin barred platies and julli corys in a 20 Gallon tank. We just bought a 55 gallon tank that we are cycling.

I would really like to try a red tailed shark, but what fish can get along with the RTS and will fit in a 55 gallon tank?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Canadian Fish]

I'm wondering if I can keep the RTS, 2 Opaline Gouramis, and 5 Rosy Barbs together in the 55 gallon tank?

 

[Hermithall]

Redtail shark is usually very belligerent with many other fish, especially as it matures. Their aggressive behaviour is instinctive, related to protecting a food grazing area. It's very hit and miss unfortunately as to which fish they might tolerate. Mine ended up in a tank on his own in the end, it died recently and I won't be replacing it!

 

[Canadian Fish]

Thanks for the info, I will keep looking at other options.

 

[Con_maN_G]

I've never personally kept one, but ive heard stories. You should use caution with anything smaller. Those are really hit or miss. I know of people who have kept them with medium size cichlids (Convict, Jack Dempsey, etc). These bigger fish seem to keep the shark in-line and because cichlids are messy eaters, the sharks will clean up their mess. Make sure you dont get anything too big though, an oscar may find the shark to be a meal! Also, larger plecos and synodontis catfish could work. Hope any of this helps!

i personally have an albino rainbow shark with 2 convicts, 1 jack dempsey and an african featherfin catfish and there have been no problems to date. (55 gallon)

Good Luck!

 

[Tizer]

ive got mine in a 5 foot tank, the only fish he has a go at are the ones of a similar shape to him, i.e. the two siamese algae eaters i have. Otherwise hes quite good.