Interested in expanding your freshwater sharks tank to include other species of fish? After all, if you've established a freshwater aquarium of an impressive size in order to properly house your shark(s), you'd probably like to add some personality and character to your community, courtesy of freshwater fish that are available in all shapes and colors.
Freshwater sharks are not true sharks, but are typically catfish or relatives of carp. The term "shark" applies to many unrelated fish with a similar body shape that are found all over the world. They can grow to be between five inches and more than 13 inches. Some do best when they are the only shark in the tank and some prefer to school with three or more sharks of the same species and temperament.
Freshwater Shark Compatibility
Because freshwater shark sizes vary so widely—consider a 6-inch Redtail Shark versus a 14-inch Bala Shark—the size of the other fish you add to your freshwater shark community will vary depending on the size of your shark(s). Generally speaking, you want to create a community of similarly sized fish in order to minimize aggression and reduce the danger that could exist for fish that are significantly smaller than your shark. Use our compatibility guide to determine the best fish for you:
Angelfish Compatible. Angelfish come in a variety of colors and fin lengths and can grow to be four to 10 inches long.
Barbs Compatible. Barbs are a medium-sized fish that can be a bit spunky, but they make good companions for sharks. Look for varieties that mature to at least three inches, such as Tiger Barbs.
Bettas Avoid. Bettas may be beautiful in an aquarium, but they are not the ideal choice for a community that is inhabited by freshwater sharks. Their diminutive size and impressive, flowing fins are not positive attributes around freshwater sharks, and for the safety of the betta fish, it's best to house them in a shark-free tank with non-aggressive fish.
Bottom-dwelling fish Avoid. Some freshwater sharks tend to become aggressive toward bottom-dwelling fish, such as cory catfish, so it's best to avoid these types for your community tank.
Danios, minnows and loaches Compatible. Generally quiet and non-aggressive, these brightly colored schooling fish are often recommended for beginning aquarists.
Mollies Compatible. Mollies are a peaceful and popular community fish.
Other sharks Redtail and Rainbow Sharks are generally said to be incompatible with other sharks due to their semi-aggressive nature. However, the Apollo and Bala Sharks do best when kept in schools with three or more companions of their own species.
Platies Compatible. Platies are one of the most peaceful community fish available. They come in a variety of colors, markings, body shapes and fin variations.
Rainbow Fish Compatible. Rainbow fish are very active and require plenty of space. Males and mature Rainbow fish are generally more intensely colored.
Swordtails Compatible. Swordtails come in a variety of colors, with males having a long "sword" extending from the bottom of their tail.
Tetras Compatible in certain situations. When selecting tetras for a community tank, select fish that are of equivalent size to the shark(s) in your tank. Smaller tetras could face danger from the sharks, so choose tetras of compatible size.
Community Tips
For optimal health, keep your freshwater shark community in an appropriately sized habitat with proper filtration. Overcrowded conditions are a major cause of stress and disease in community tanks. Maintain good water quality with regular water changes.
Fish are individuals with personalities, and they may or may not exhibit the aggression that is expected of their species. Keep a close eye on your aquarium and its inhabitants to observe any potential aggression.