My Son Wants A Shark!

[ladybird76]

I’m completely new to this and I have to say this forum has been a wealth of information. It’s like learning a completely new language! I’m glad I read about the fishless cycling (wasn’t told about this in the shop) so I’m in the process of that at the moment. I’m going to make sure I get it right otherwise if any fish die I’ll have a very unhappy 4 year old!

Anyway my question is; are there any fish that I can keep in my 48litre tank that resembles the look of a shark?? My son is 4 and obviously wants one If there aren't any I can keep I’ll just tell him that the shop has run out.

Also what species and quantities of fish would you recommend for a beginner with a 48 litre tank?

Thank you

 

[davidov]

Silver Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) looks like shark... but 48 litre tank is too small for this fish.

 

[KkAaNnEe]

I would recommend a betta, you can explain to him its a fighting fish etc plus they are really pretty, have personalities and are decent starter fish, although you will be limited on tank mates

 

[castiel]

A Betta would be the kind of fish a four year old would love, even if it's not a shark!

 

[Louiseness]

Bettas might not look like sharks but they gobble up their food like one

They can also learn to recognise 'their people' and will come to the surface to beg for food etc. Super cute for a child.

 

[Athena]

Yes, a betta - and 48litres would be a good size for one of those - only buy one male, though, and don't be tempted to add a female in with the male for company or it'll end in tears.

Add some live plants (or silk if you can't get live ones) as they love resting amongst plants - and a little hidey cave would be good too.

As you will find out, bettas come in such a variety of colours that you might be able to find one in your son's favourite colour (or near to it LOL).

Personally, I would just have the betta on its own. My male was kept in a 1ft cube tank. As they are such special little fish with great personality, I didn't feel the need to crowd his space with anything else. But that's for you to decide and maybe others on here will recommend certain other compatible fish - I know you shouldn't keep anything with flowing fins (e.g. guppies) with a betta, and avoid fin nippers and any fish that darts about too quickly as that will stress your betta.

Regards

Athena

ps - forgot to mention that I have kept sharks (red tailed black shark, rainbow shark, albino shark etc - and to be honest they are not much fun for a child because they tend to hide away a lot during the day (well, mine did) and come out at night to look for food).

 

[Louiseness]

Ooo, I thought of another possibility - cories. I dunno, Maybe I'm weird, but to me my black sail cories remind me so much of little sharks with their sticking-up fin. Super entertaining and cute to watch, too. Maybe someone else can suggest if any cory species would work in a 48L?

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Pygmys?

 

[fluttermoth]

I think a betta is probably the best fish for you 48l and they do make great kid's fish; they're so beautiful and super friendly. You could have a couple of freshwater shrimp as well; they're brilliant! My kids love the shrimps

Or a few male Endlers or guppies; again they're really brightly coloured and proper little characters.

OP; just use it as a little biology lesson for your four year old and explain to him that sharks grow too big and wouldn't be happy in your tank; kids make great fish keepers if you involve them and explain everything as you go along

My son is being home educated, and he learns most of his science through a combination of fishkeeping and watching 'Mythbusters', lol.

 

[Mowbz]

My son is being home educated, and he learns most of his science through a combination of fishkeeping and watching 'Mythbusters', lol.

Off topic - Mythbusters is awesome. I bet he watches How Its Made too huh?

 

[fluttermoth]

My son is being home educated, and he learns most of his science through a combination of fishkeeping and watching 'Mythbusters', lol.

Off topic - Mythbusters is awesome. I bet he watches How Its Made too huh?

He doesn't, oddly enough!

 

[Wolf King]

When i was younger (and still do) i loved the silver sharks or RTB sharks amazing creatures. RTB's can only be kept in a one per tank situation though . the silver sharks (when young any way) quite enjoy being in small groups

 

[ladybird76]

He has now asked for a humpback whale So yes Fluttermoth I think a biology lesson is in order!

Thank you all for your suggestions. The Bettas look lovely and I didn’t realise I could keep shrimp, I am learning so much!

 

[fluttermoth]

He has now asked for a humpback whale So yes Fluttermoth I think a biology lesson is in order!

Thank you all for your suggestions. The Bettas look lovely and I didn’t realise I could keep shrimp, I am learning so much!

Aww, bless him!

I'd love a humpback whale too

 

[eaglesaquarium]

My five year old had these types of questions. Why not a dolphin, why not a lobster, why not crab legs (one of his favorite foods recently!)? After a trip to the aquarium where he saw some of the things he was asking about up close, he realized our tank wasn't nearly big enough. Then the "why can't we have a bigger tank?" question came out. He's got latent MTS already rearing its head, and the more dangerous concern, always wanting a bigger tank to keep larger varieties of fish!


Cories will work GREAT with a betta in a 48L. A betta and 6-8 Corydoras habrosus would look fantastic, even if none of them are actually "sharks".