11 Freshwater Aquarium Sharks For Tanks With All Size

Freshwater aquarium sharks can be a popular and attractive addition to a home aquarium, but it’s important to remember that not all species of sharks are suitable for freshwater tanks. Here are eleven species of freshwater sharks that are commonly kept in home aquariums:

1.Bala Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus)

Bala sharks (Balantiocheilos melanopterus) are freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia.
They have silver-Gray colour and long, slender bodies.

These sharks also have a pair of triangular, black-coloured fins on their backs for steering and balance.
They can grow up to 12 inches in length.

These are generally peaceful & can be in the company of any other peaceful community fish.
For Bala Sharks, You need a tank size of 100 gallons. These are active swimmers and need plenty of space to move around.

They also require a well-filtered and oxygenated environment and a substrate of fine gravel or sand to mimic their natural habitat.

If we talk about diet, Bala sharks are omnivorous and can eat various foods, including flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods. It would be best if you considered providing a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.

Bala sharks are generally easy to care for and can greatly add to a community tank as long as their basic care requirements are met.
But you need to keep in that they may become more aggressive as they mature, so it’s best to keep them with larger, more passive tank mates.

2. Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenum)

These sharks are native to Southeast Asia and grow to be about 6 -8 inches in length. They can be territorial and may not get along with other bottom-dwelling fish.

Rainbow sharks (Epalzeorhynchos frenum) are freshwater fish that finds in Southeast Asia. They are famous for their different colouration, ranging from silver to dark brown, and the bright red or orange stripes of body lines

Rainbow sharks can grow up to 6-8 inches in length and have a lifespan of about 10 -12 years.

Rainbow sharks are not interested in slow-moving streams and rivers in the wild, feeding on algae, plants, and small invertebrates.

They should be kept in a tank of at least 50 gallons. With a fine gravel or sand substrate and plenty of hiding places and plants.
They are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially towards other bottom-dwelling fish, and may not get along with other rainbow sharks or similarly-shaped fish.

Rainbow sharks are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.

Rainbow sharks are generally easy to care for in home aquariums and can be a great addition to a community tank as long as their basic care requirements are met and they are kept with appropriate tank mates. However, they may become more aggressive as they mature, so monitoring their behaviour and taking steps to prevent aggression if necessary, is important. And will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods.

3. Red Tail Shar (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)

These sharks are native to Southeast Asia and grow to be about 6 inches in length. They can be territorial and may not get along with other bottom-dwelling fish

Red tail sharks are freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. They are famous for their different red tails and dark bodies, which can grow up to 6 inches in length. They have a lifespan of about 10-11 years and are generally peaceful but can be territorial,

Red-tail sharks do not like shallow, slow-moving streams and rivers in the wild, feeding on algae, plants, and small invertebrates. In a home aquarium, they should be kept in a tank of at least 50 gallons with a suitable place and substrate of fine gravel or sand and plenty of hiding places and plants. They may not get along with other red-tail sharks or similarly-shaped fish and should be kept with peaceful tank mates.

Red tail sharks are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.


Red tail sharks are generally easy to care and can be a great addition to a community tank, as long as their basic care requirements are met and they are kept with appropriate tank mates. However, they may become more aggressive as they mature, so monitoring their behaviour and taking steps to prevent aggression if necessary, is important.

4. Iridescent Shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

These sharks are native to Southeast Asia and grow to be about 36 inches in length. They are generally peaceful but may become.

Iridescent sharks are freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their shimmering, iridescent colouration and long, slender bodies, which can grow up to 36-38 inches. They have a lifespan of about 10-11 years and are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish.

In the wild, iridescent sharks inhabit large rivers and floodplains, feeding on algae, plants, and small invertebrates. In a home aquarium, they should be kept in a tank of at least 55 – 60 gallons with a substrate of fine gravel or sand and plenty of hiding places and plants. They may not get along with other iridescent sharks or similarly-shaped fish and should be kept with peaceful tank mates.

Iridescent Shark

Iridescent sharks are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live, and frozen foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.

Iridescent sharks are generally easy to care for and can be a great addition to a community tank, as long as their basic care requirements are met and they are kept with appropriate tank mates. However, it’s important to remember that they may become more aggressive as they mature, so it’s best to keep them with larger, more passive tank mates.

5. Black Shark (Labeo chrysophekadion)

These sharks are native to Southeast Asia and grow to be about 24 inches in length. They are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish.

Black sharks are freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their dark bodies and long, slender fins, which can grow up to 22- 24 inches. They have a lifespan of about 10-11 years and are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish.

Black sharks inhabit shallow, slow-moving streams and rivers in the wild, feeding on algae, plants, and small invertebrates. In a home aquarium, they should be kept in a tank of at least 150 gallons with a substrate of fine gravel or sand and plenty of hiding places and plants. They may not get along with other black sharks or similarly-shaped fish and should be kept with peaceful tank mates.

Black Shark Fish


Iridescent sharks are freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their shimmering, iridescent colouration and long, slender bodies, which can grow up to 36-38 inches. They have a lifespan of about 10-11 years and are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish.

In the wild, iridescent sharks inhabit large rivers and floodplains, feeding on algae, plants, and small invertebrates. In a home aquarium, they should be kept in a tank of at least 55 – 60 gallons with a substrate of fine gravel or sand and plenty of hiding places and plants. They may not get along with other iridescent sharks or similarly-shaped fish and should be kept with peaceful tank mates.

These sharks are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods. They are generally easy to care for and can be a great addition to a community tank as long as their basic care requirements are met and they are kept with appropriate tank mates. It’s important to remember that they may become more aggressive as they mature, so it’s best to keep them with larger, more passive tank mates.

6. Red Fin Shark (Labeo bicolour)

These sharks are native to Southeast Asia and grow 12-13 inches in length. They are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish.

Red fin sharks are freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their red fins and dark bodies, which can grow up to 12-13 inches in length. They have a lifespan of about 10-11 years and are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish.

In the wild, redfin sharks inhabit shallow, slow-moving streams and rivers, where they feed on algae, plants, and small invertebrates. In a home aquarium, they should be kept in a tank of at least 50-55 gallons with a substrate of fine gravel or sand and plenty of hiding places and plants. They may not get along with other red-fin sharks or similarly-shaped fish and should be kept with peaceful tank mates.

Red Fin Shark

Red fin sharks are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.

Red fin sharks are generally easy to care for and can be a great addition to a community tank, as long as their basic care requirements are met and they are kept with appropriate tank mates. However, it’s important to remember that they may become more aggressive as they mature, so it’s best to keep them with larger, more passive tank mates.

7. Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis)

These fish are native to China and grow about 6-8 inches in length. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other delicate community fish. And the tank size is 55 gallons. Hillstream loaches are freshwater fish native to China. They are known for their streamlined bodies and ability to attach themselves to rocks and other surfaces using their suckermouths. Hillstream loaches can grow up to 6 inches in length and have a lifespan of about 5-10 years.

Hillstrem loch

In the wild, hillstream loaches inhabit fast-flowing streams and rivers, feeding on algae, plants, and small invertebrates. In a home aquarium, they should be kept in a tank with a strong current, as they require high levels of oxygen to survive. They also require a fine gravel or sand substrate and plenty of hiding places and plants. Hillstream loaches are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish.
Hillstream loaches are omnivorous and accept various foods, including flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.
Hillstream loaches are generally easy to care for and can be a great addition to a community tank, as long as their basic care requirements are met, and they are kept with appropriate tank mates. They are generally hardy fish but can be sensitive to water quality, so it’s important to maintain a clean and stable environment.

8. Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)

These fish are native to Indonesia and grow about 6- 12 inches in length. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other mild community fish.

Clown loaches are freshwater fish native to Indonesia. They are known for their distinctive colouration, ranging from pale yellow to orange, and for their long, slender bodies, which can grow up to 6-12 inches. Clown loaches have a lifespan of about 10-15 years and are generally peaceful, although they can be territorial towards other bottom-dwelling fish.

Crown Loch

Clown loaches inhabit shallow, slow-moving streams and rivers in the wild, feeding on algae, plants, and small invertebrates. In a home aquarium, they should be kept in a tank of at least 60-100 gallons with a substrate of fine gravel or sand and plenty of hiding places and plants. They are social animals and should be kept in groups of at least 3-5 individuals. Clown loaches are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish.
Clown loaches are omnivorous and accept various foods, including flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.

Clown loaches are generally easy to care for and can be a great addition to a community tank, as long as their basic care requirements are met and they are kept with appropriate tank mates. They are generally hardy fish but can be sensitive to water quality, so it’s important to maintain a clean and stable environment.

9. Chinese Algae Eater

These fish are native to Southeast Asia and grow about 6 inches in length. They are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish.

Chinese algae eaters are famous fish of freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. They are famous for their long, slender bodies and ability to eat algae,
making them popular in home aquariums. Chinese algae eaters can grow up to 6 inches in length and have a lifespan of about 5-9 years.

Chines alga eater

In the wild, Chinese algae eaters inhabit shallow, slow-moving streams and rivers, feeding on algae, plants, and small invertebrates. A home aquarium should be kept in a tank of at least 50 gallons; they love hiding places and plants. They are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish.
Chinese algae eaters are omnivorous and accept various foods, including flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.
They are very attractive fish in china. And they are excellent aquarium fish .they also grow alga bay in aquariums.

10. Siamese Algae Eater

These fish are native to Southeast Asia and grow to be about 6 inches in length. They are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish.
Siamese algae eaters are freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. They are famous for their long, slender bodies and ability to eat algae, making them popular in home aquariums. Algae eaters can grow up to 6 inches in length and have a lifespan of about 6-7 years. And this makes the tank beautiful.

Siamese algae eaters inhabit shallow, slow-moving streams and rivers, feeding on algae, plants, and small invertebrates.

Siamese Alga Eater


In a home aquarium, they should be kept in a tank of at least 30 gallons with a substrate of fine gravel or sand and plenty of hiding places and plants. They are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish. and they are very angry fish.


Siamese algae eaters are omnivorous and accept various foods, including flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.

Algae eaters are generally easy to care for and can be a great addition to a community tank, as long as their basic care requirements are met and they are kept with appropriate tank mates. However, it’s important to remember that they may become more aggressive as they mature, so it’s best to keep them with larger, more passive tank mates.

It’s essential to research the specific care requirements for each species and ensure that your tank is properly set up to meet those needs. It’s also important to consider the size of your tank and the potential adult size of the shark species you are considering, as some of these sharks can grow quite large and may not be suitable for smaller tanks.

11. Violet Blushing Shark

Violet blushing sharks, also known as violet or blushing sharks, are freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their violet-coloured bodies and long, slender fins, which can grow up to 6 inches.
Violet blushing sharks have a lifespan of about 10 years and are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish. In the wild, violet-blushing sharks inhabit shallow, slow-moving streams and rivers, feeding on algae, plants, and small invertebrates.

In a home aquarium, they should be kept in a tank of at least 30 gallons with a substrate of fine gravel or sand and plenty of hiding places and plants. They may not get along with other violet-blushing sharks or similarly-shaped fish and should be kept in a peaceful tank.

These sharks, also known as violet or blushing sharks, are freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. They are famous for their violet-coloured bodies and long, slender fins, which can grow up to 6 inches. Violet blushing sharks have a lifespan of about 10 years and are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards smaller fish.

Violet-blushing sharks are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live and frozen foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.

Violet blushing sharks are generally easy to care for and can be a great addition to a community tank, as long as their basic care requirements are met, and they are kept with appropriate tank mates. However, it’s important to remember that they may become more aggressive as they mature, so it’s best to keep them with larger, more passive tank mates.

Elizabeth Canales is fond of marine life since childhood and got an aquarium as a gift from her father on her 6th birthday. Since then she started to take care of Coralia (her goldfish). Her love for fish made receive her B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of Washington and DVM from Delaware State University.

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