Sharks are popular fish for a freshwater aquarium.  They are called sharks because of their high dorsal fin and body shape that resembles saltwater sharks.

What are  Sharks?  The sharks listed  this page are members of the Cyprinidae family which includes danios, rasboras, white clouds, and barbs, carp and many other fish.   They are native to Southeast Asia.

Housing:  The Red Rainbow Shark, and the Red Tail Shark are bottom dwellers.  They should be provided rocks and caves in order to stake out a territory.   They do not harm live plants so you can use live or plastic plants. Tricolor sharks swim in the middle water layers and should have open space in the front of the tank.   In an aquarium they are tolerant of standard aquarium conditions as long as the water is well filtered and partial water changes are conducted regularly.   (Temperature: 70-80)  (pH is 6.8-7.5)  Sharks listed on this page are jumpers and should have a tight fitting cover. 

Tankmates:  Red tail sharks and Red Rainbow sharks like to stake out a territory.  It is best to keep only one Red Rainbow shark, or one Red Tail Shark per tank unless the tank is very large. A group of two is not recommended, while sometimes groups of 3 or more works for a while when they are small.   Tankmates can include gouramis, barbs, danios, rainbowfish, swordtails,  clown loach, corydoras cats, plecostomus cats.  The Tricolor shark can be kept in single or groups.  Tricolor sharks get along well with other fish of similar size, and they look good in groups.

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes, small pellets, freeze-dried, frozen foods, and algae wafers. In the store we use TetraPro flakes, Tetra Color Bits and bloodworms.