Red Tail Black Sharks?

[danb_1985]

Can anybody give me some information about the RTBS because i like the fish but some things i've heard or read are bad but others aren't so i dont know whether or not try one out?

 

[raptorrex]

these are a fantastic fish, but need thinking about before you buy.

they grow as big as 7 inches, its a common misconception that they grow very big, despite the small size they need lots of swimming room. for an adult 60 - 100 gallons is about right. they like places to hide, plants decorations even caves. they should really not be kept with other shark type fish, they can be very aggressive towards them. apart from that they are much like any tropical fish. if you buy. keep an eye on the density of it colour, if it begins to fade, its a good indication of problems. so you need lots of room, probably best to avoid other "shark" type fish, lots of places to hide and good clean water.

 

[danb_1985]

are they ok in a smaller tank like mine until they grow to adult?

what are they like with other fish? do they harrass them?

 

[darkwolf29a]

I'd do some google searches.

http/www.aquaria.info/modules.php?file=s...ails&id=657

The_Caper : Since the beginning of fish keeping I have alway's kept a Red Tailed Black Shark. When healthy their color can be as vibrant as some marine fish. My current RTBS is jet black with a crimson red tail with sharp white tips on it's fins. He is 3 inches long and beautifull. My shark is not shy and freely swims around the tank showing off his presence when anyone enters the room. Do not keep more than one of this species in a tank unless it is 75G or larger as they can create their own territory in such a large living space. The RTBS should also be kept with other species that are not timid and can fend off an aggressive fish as these sharks can get quite aggressive to smaller community fish.

From the sounds of just my quick search here...I wouldn't put one in that tank you have. I was looking at them, at one point, but decided against them due to their small size and need for large amounts of space.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

No- you can not keep one in a 16 gal tank.

 

[xptweakerntn]

I kept them in a 20 gallon and they did fine.

 

[StagnantSun]

Keep in mind, also, they may JUMP from time to time.

I'm just saying, no one likes fish jerky.

 

[raptorrex]

I'd do some google searches.

[URL="http/www.aquaria.info/modules.php?file=s...ails&id=657"]http/www.aquaria.info/modules.php?file=s...ails&id=657[/URL]

The_Caper : Since the beginning of fish keeping I have alway's kept a Red Tailed Black Shark. When healthy their color can be as vibrant as some marine fish. My current RTBS is jet black with a crimson red tail with sharp white tips on it's fins. He is 3 inches long and beautifull. My shark is not shy and freely swims around the tank showing off his presence when anyone enters the room. Do not keep more than one of this species in a tank unless it is 75G or larger as they can create their own territory in such a large living space. The RTBS should also be kept with other species that are not timid and can fend off an aggressive fish as these sharks can get quite aggressive to smaller community fish.

From the sounds of just my quick search here...I wouldn't put one in that tank you have. I was looking at them, at one point, but decided against them due to their small size and need for large amounts of space.

that seems like sound advice. though i have four Silver Dollars, known to be very skittish, but have seen no problems. guess like all beings, they all have their own personality. I have found. when researching, its worth visiting lots of sites/resources, and working out an average, if that makes sense, most keepers have different experiences of any fish, so its worth trying to get an overview and going on from there.

 

[Guinness]

Mine, who I have had since he was tiny & is now an out & out bully (4 inches) & have had to buy another tank to put him in ( with tetras only)

He hassled my other community fish, especially Gouramis,

He is a great fish, but would never buy another one again

 

[danb_1985]

thanks for all the advice. think i may try one in the future? waiting til after christmas now?

only thing is i only have one cave which my corries and often plec like to hide in during the day so should i make another liitle one in case of territory?

 

[rabbut]

thanks for all the advice. think i may try one in the future? waiting til after christmas now?

only thing is i only have one cave which my corries and often plec like to hide in during the day so should i make another liitle one in case of territory?

Would be a very good idea. Will add my two sence on the topic ehile I'm at it;

RTBS are not IMO worthy of their somewhat bad reputation. Most problems origionate with the fishkeeper not doing their research prior to purchase. Also, like other fish, they all have their own personality, and will react differently to eachother in the same situation.
They are aggressive to other bottom dwellers, but the extent to which varies according to the individual fish. Try to avoid any bottom dwellers, such as corrys and other sharks, and with some RTBS plecos too. Most will be fine, but if the one you purchase turns out to be one of the more aggressive individuals, he may pick on the pleco.

HTH
rabbut

 

[snoozysusie]

Hi people. I have just read the advice on here about RTBS in a community tank - only wished I had read it a few months ago.
I have a RTBS in a tank with guppies, tetras, gourami and a pleco.
About a week ago, noticed plec had 'mysteriously vanish' . Having watched the RTBS for a bit , I now see he is very aggresive towards to the gourami and also other fish who go near his tunnel.
Also just read on here that as they mature, they can more aggresive and can be funny with plecs too.
OMG! Can't believe it.. and also had no idea they grew as big as specified on here. Since I only have a 15gal tank, I'm going to take the RTBS back to the shop. The tank has been established about 4 years but I think I only got the shark last year. I have lost loads of guppies recently too - do you think the RTBS may have attacked these too?? I did loads of tests on water hardness/nitrate/nitrite/ammonia and all 'ideal' results so can't think what else may have caused these sudden deaths... ?? ?Water temp = 75deg.
Is is possible to 'over pump' your tank with too much air ?? Should you use a certain air pump depending on size of tank ? also my filter is a fluval 2.. is that sufficient ?? like i said, all my test results seem ok...

Thanks again for RTBS info again... ps - after taking my RTBS back, should i get some kind of stress relief cure for the tank to try and 'chill out' the other fishes in there ??? I had guppies fry loads for months, but its all stopped which is really disappointing. How can i encourage it again ??
THANKS !!

 

[danni79]

I have been offered one but am going to turn it down after this advise. My tank too small for him (boohoo) I know that he is now in a tiny tank and it is not heated. Do you think I should take him untill i can re home him?

 

[snoozysusie]

I'm far from an expert but I would probably advise against putting him in a non-heated tank.
I have mine in a tropical tank (water = 75deg) Would be awful to see him getting to cold and dying off .. ?

 

[danni79]

so that a yes put him in my heated tank to stop him dying in there tank till i can re home him???