RedTail Shark Tankmates

[Aqualady40]

Hi, I have been posting a thread atleast once a week trying to get info on possible tank-mates for my 55g that currently has a RTS. I been posting them in general discussion but evidently that isn't where it belongs since it seems as if no one sees them with the exception of 1 or 2 peeps....I look at others that ask similiar question and they have pages and pages of suggestions....am I not posting in the right area?

 

[Slgandy]

I don't know but I've had the same issues about tank mates....I've been asking multiple times and the only replys I've ever gotten is that you don't want another type if shark

 

[YaBuddyHuddie]

Hi, I have been posting a thread atleast once a week trying to get info on possible tank-mates for my 55g that currently has a RTS. I been posting them in general discussion but evidently that isn't where it belongs since it seems as if no one sees them with the exception of 1 or 2 peeps....I look at others that ask similiar question and they have pages and pages of suggestions....am I not posting in the right area?

Red tails are rather difficult to figure out. They are quite complex. When they're young they'll usually live with everything, no problems. But as they age, from my experience, they have trouble with all tank mates. Any other bottom dweller is a definite no. Tetras and stuff might work. I speak from limited experience. I've had 2 RTS before and they just always get aggressive when they get older.

 

[jcolon]

RTS's are very territorially aggressive. Fish like Tigerbarbs and gouramis make suitable tank mates as they can stand up to RTS's. certainly other RTS's or RBS's are to be avoided.

 

[Aqualady40]

I don't know but I've had the same issues about tank mates....I've been asking multiple times and the only replys I've ever gotten is that you don't want another type if shark

Yeah and thats not much help at all...I have heard that so much and I can now say....."I know that"...please offer what I can try as tankmates....

 

[Aqualady40]

Red tails are rather difficult to figure out. They are quite complex. When they're young they'll usually live with everything, no problems. But as they age, from my experience, they have trouble with all tank mates. Any other bottom dweller is a definite no. Tetras and stuff might work. I speak from limited experience. I've had 2 RTS before and they just always get aggressive when they get older.

I agree with their increase aggression as they age. I had this one 2 months it was fine till I took the mates out ( 6tb's, 3 gourami's) and moved them to another tank...then, I tried a pictus cat...nope it didnt stand a chance..he stared going after the rubber lip the other night that been in there for 1 month so I took him out and put him with the other mates (40B)

 

[Slgandy]

From what I've been researching and reading red-tails and rainbow sharks are a lot alike where it varies fish by fish....in constantly told do not put them together or with other sharks but then I've talke to people that have successfully had them together for many years....I've also read to not put them with any fish smaller than them but I've seen a tank where a redtail lived happy with neon tetras so its just something to keep an eye on...I'm planning on a rainbow shark with Denison barbs, rams, angelfish, and possibly some others in my 90 gallon

 

[jcolon]

Other bottom dwellers .. With the exception of shrimp judging by my tank... Are fair game for an RTS's aggression. IMO, a 75gal should be the minimum for an RTS, a 55 for an RBS. As juveniles they tolerate tank mates and even other sharks. As they mature, they start to claim territory. In a few cases, they'll claim the whole tank. BTW, it's just after feeding when you see their nastiness.

Keeping two in a tank is inadvisable unless you have a huge tank, say a 125+ gal with plenty of pants, DW, rocks, decor etc to establish territories.

 

[Aqualady40]

From what I've been researching and reading red-tails and rainbow sharks are a lot alike where it varies fish by fish....in constantly told do not put them together or with other sharks but then I've talke to people that have successfully had them together for many years....I've also read to not put them with any fish smaller than them but I've seen a tank where a redtail lived happy with neon tetras so its just something to keep an eye on...I'm planning on a rainbow shark with Denison barbs, rams, angelfish, and possibly some others in my 90 gallon

About 1 month ago i tried adding albino rainbow shark....absolutely not.....rts had ars up in corner behind filter where it flows out...took it back to lfs

 

[Aqualady40]

Other bottom dwellers .. With the exception of shrimp judging by my tank... Are fair game for an RTS's aggression. IMO, a 75gal should be the minimum for an RTS, a 55 for an RBS. As juveniles they tolerate tank mates and even other sharks. As they mature, they start to claim territory. In a few cases, they'll claim the whole tank. BTW, it's just after feeding when you see their nastiness.

Keeping two in a tank is inadvisable unless you have a huge tank, say a 125+ gal with plenty of pants, DW, rocks, decor etc to establish territories.

why shrimp exception

 

[Slgandy]

Yea you don't wanna add them both together what do you like? Maybe some rams?

 

[Aqualady40]

From what I've been researching and reading red-tails and rainbow sharks are a lot alike where it varies fish by fish....in constantly told do not put them together or with other sharks but then I've talke to people that have successfully had them together for many years....I've also read to not put them with any fish smaller than them but I've seen a tank where a redtail lived happy with neon tetras so its just something to keep an eye on...I'm planning on a rainbow shark with Denison barbs, rams, angelfish, and possibly some others in my 90 gallon

LFS suggested for me to get multiple fish at once (ex. 6tb's to lessen aggression upon one fish). I don't want tiger barbs in 2 tanks...so I need help with other species that can hold their ground...I don't mind buying them as a group

 

[Aqualady40]

Yea you don't wanna add them both together what do you like? Maybe some rams?

Is that a cichlid? If so, I don't know if I have the right setup for cichlids...im not sure...you have a pic and how do you car for them

 

[jcolon]

why shrimp exception

Ha..ha ... Still trying to figure that out. When I first added ghost shrimp to my tank I fully expected my RTS to hunt them down considering these we're the first other type of bottom dwellers I've ever added. Had no idea how'd it react. But no my RTS ignored them, so I added a couple larger Amano's ignored them too. Took my biggest gamble with two larger Bamboo shrimp ... Not so much as a glance. I'm curious if anyone here's had RTS's kill shrimp. Am I the exception or the rule.

Now my TB's and Black Ruby Barbs? You should see them swimming for their lives just after feeding. I think LyndaB had her RBS hunt down and kill her Z. danios. How does an RBS even catch Z.Danios? You ever seen how fast Danios are? Well I've seen my RTS move ... It can be a bit scary. Plenty of times I chased it with a net or stick so it'd leave my TB's alone.

 

[jcolon]

LFS suggested for me to get multiple fish at once (ex. 6tb's to lessen aggression upon one fish). I don't want tiger barbs in 2 tanks...so I need help with other species that can hold their ground...I don't mind buying them as a group

Denison barbs get large enough that RTS's don't bother them. At least mine doesn't bother any of my three

 

[Slgandy]

Rams are cichlids but they are small so not too hard to care for

 

[Aqualady40]

Denison barbs get large enough that RTS's don't bother them. At least mine doesn't bother any of my three

Okay my rts is about 3-3.5 inches so how many db's would you add


edit...ahhh, ouch, did you recommend $40 fish (per)...I need something a bit more reasonable than that

 

[jcolon]

Denison barbs are one of the few Barbs you can keep single, pairs or groups. I've had my Denison's for over a year so they've grown along with my RTS.
I'd say start with 3 and if you feel you'll still have room, then add another. I think 3 will do fine, Denison's also get up to 6inches.

 

[Aqualady40]

Ha..ha ... Still trying to figure that out. When I first added ghost shrimp to my tank I fully expected my RTS to hunt them down considering these we're the first other type of bottom dwellers I've ever added. Had no idea how'd it react. But no my RTS ignored them, so I added a couple larger Amano's ignored them too. Took my biggest gamble with two larger Bamboo shrimp ... Not so much as a glance. I'm curious if anyone here's had RTS's kill shrimp. Am I the exception or the rule.

Now my TB's and Black Ruby Barbs? You should see them swimming for their lives just after feeding. I think LyndaB had her RBS hunt down and kill her Z. danios. How does an RBS even catch Z.Danios? You ever seen how fast Danios are? Well I've seen my RTS move ... It can be a bit scary. Plenty of times I chased it with a net or stick so it'd leave my TB's alone.

Thats weird but cool too...I am afraid each day that goes by without any tankmates...he/she will increase in aggression (don't think I'll sacrifice my GS)

 

[Aqualady40]

Denison barbs are one of the few Barbs you can keep single, pairs or groups. I've had my Denison's for over a year so they've grown along with my RTS.
I'd say start with 3 and if you feel you'll still have room, then add another. I think 3 will do fine, Denison's also get up to 6inches.

are you planted? do u have a pic of your tank