sharks are also included in the genus Chondrichthyes together with sharks and rays. They are unique among marine organisms due to their cartilaginous skeletons and lateral line system, which picks up on vibrations in the water. From the tiny lanternshark (just a few inches long) to the enormous whale shark, there are hundreds of different shark species (which can grow to be over 40 feet long).
For this reason, sharks are considered apex predators in the ecosystems in which they live. They play an important role in keeping the marine ecosystem stable and in limiting the growth of invasive species.
Types of Freshwater Aquarium Sharks
Several freshwater fish are popularly referred to as “aquarium sharks” due to their shark-like look and activity. These fish are not actual sharks because they are classified as Actinopterygii, but they can make intriguing and appealing additions to a freshwater aquarium. Here are a few examples of commonly kept freshwater aquarium sharks.
Redtail shark: As previously said, this fish is native to Southeast Asia and is distinguished by its red tail fin. It can grow to be 7 inches long and requires at least 55 gallons of tank space.
Bala shark: This species is native to Southeast Asia and can reach a maximum size of 8 inches.
Red Tail Black Shark
Freshwater fish with a shark-like look and behaviour, the red-tail black shark is commonly referred to as an “aquarium shark.” This fish, found naturally only in Southeast Asia, is known for its dark, inky body and bright red tail fin.
A maximum length of 6 inches has been recorded for this species, but 4 inches is more typical. They need a big tank because they are active and fast swimmers. Furthermore, they require clean water, filtration, and frequent water changes. They do best in water that is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit and has a pH of 6.5 and 7.5.
It’s important to remember that red-tailed black sharks are potentially lethal animals.
Rainbow Shark
| Characteristic | Rainbow Shark | Red Tail Black Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Epalzeorhynchos frenatus | Epalzeorhynchos bicolor |
| Size | Can grow up to 6 inches | Can grow up to 6 inches |
| Colour | Silver-grey with red-orange fins | Black with the red tail fin |
| Native location | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia |
| Diet | Omnivorous, require a diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as worms, shrimp, and insects, as well as a high-quality pellet food | Omnivorous, require a diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as worms, shrimp, and insects, as well as a high-quality pellet food |
| Tank size | At least 55 gallons | At least 55 gallons |
| Aggressiveness | semi-aggressive | semi-aggressive |
The rainbow shark is a freshwater fish found in Southeast Asia. It is distinguished by its brilliantly coloured body, which often has a silver-grey background with red-orange fins. This species can grow to be 6 inches long and is an energetic and quick swimmer, therefore it requires a large tank.
The following table compares some essential traits of the rainbow shark to the red-tail black shark: It is vital to remember that both of these species demand a large tank, high water quality and filtration, and regular water changes. They are aggressive swimmers and require at least a 55-gallon tank. They are not suited for inexperienced aquarists because they require certain water conditions.
Black Shark Minnow
| Characteristic | Black Shark Minnow | Rainbow Shark | Red Tail Black Shark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Labeo chrysophekadion | Epalzeorhynchos frenatus | Epalzeorhynchos bicolor |
| Size | Can grow up to 12 inches | Can grow up to 6 inches | Can grow up to 6 inches |
| Colour | Black | Silver-grey with red-orange fins | Black with the red tail fin |
| Native location | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia |
| Diet | Omnivorous, require a diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as worms, shrimp, and insects, as well as a high-quality pellet food | Omnivorous requires a diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as worms, shrimp, and insects, as well as a high-quality pellet food | Omnivorous requires a diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as worms, shrimp, and insects, as well as a high-quality pellet food |
| Tank size | At least 75 gallons | At least 55 gallons | At least 55 gallons |
| Aggressiveness | peaceful | semi-aggressive | semi-aggressive |
The black shark minnow is a freshwater fish found in Southeast Asia. It is distinguished by its black body and fins, as well as its calm demeanour. This species can reach a length of 12 inches and is an excellent addition to a community tank.
The following table compares several essential traits of the black shark minnow, rainbow shark, and red-tail black shark:
It is vital to note that all three of these species demand a large tank, high water quality and filtration, and regular water changes. They are aggressive swimmers and require a tank with a minimum capacity of 55 gallons and a maximum capacity of 75 gallons for the black shark.
Bala Shark
| Characteristic | Bala Shark | Black Shark Minnow | Rainbow Shark | Red Tail Black Shark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Balantiocheilos melanopterus | Labeo chrysophekadion | Epalzeorhynchos frenatus | Epalzeorhynchos bicolor |
| Size | Can grow up to 12 inches | Can grow up to 12 inches | Can grow up to 6 inches | Can grow up to 6 inches |
| Color | Silver with black fins | Black | Silver-grey with red-orange fins | Black with the red tail fin |
| Native location | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia |
| Diet | Omnivorous, require a diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as worms, shrimp, and insects, as well as a high-quality pellet food | Omnivorous, require a diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as worms, shrimp, and insects, as well as a high-quality pellet food | Omnivorous requires a diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as worms, shrimp, and insects, as well as a high-quality pellet food | Omnivorous requires a diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as worms, shrimp, and insects, as well as a high-quality pellet food |
| Tank size | At least 150 gallons | At least 75 gallons | At least 55 gallons | At least 55 gallons |
| Aggressiveness | peaceful | peaceful | semi-aggressive | semi-aggressive |
The Bala Shark is a freshwater fish found in Southeast Asia. It has silver-coloured body and black fins, a cylindrical shape, and can grow to be fairly large, up to 12 inches. They are active and quick swimmers who demand a large tank with enough swimming space.
The following table compares several essential traits of the Bala shark, black shark minnow, rainbow shark, and red-tail black shark:
It is vital to note that all four of these species demand a large tank, high water quality and filtration, and regular water changes. The Bala shark and Black shark minnow require a tank of at least 150 gallons and 75 gallons, respectively.
Iridescent Shark
| Shark species | Iridescent colouration | Structural colouration |
|---|---|---|
| Whale Shark | Yes | Yes |
| Great White Shark | No | No |
| Bamboo Shark | Yes | Yes |
| Hammerhead Shark | No | No |
| Blue Shark | No | No |
| Blacktip Shark | No | No |
| Iridescent Shark (Hypothetical) | Yes | Yes |
The existence of shark species with iridescent, metallic colouring on their skin has been explained by the “Iridescent Shark” idea. According to the hypothesis, the structural colour that results from the way light reflects off the shark’s scales is what gives the animal its colour. This may result in a shimmering, rainbow-like look that is not brought on by the shark’s skin’s colours. More research is required to either support or refute the hypothesis because it is not generally accepted.
Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark
| Characteristics | Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Chiloscyllium griseum (hypothetical) |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Native to | Freshwater rivers and lakes in China |
| Size | Up to 2 meters |
| Colour | Dark bands on a greyish body |
| Threatened status | yes, due to habitat loss and overfishing |
| Popular as | aquarium fish |
The Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark is a species of shark that is unique to freshwater rivers and lakes in China. It is sometimes referred to as the Chinese High-Fin Shark or the Chinese Banded Shark. It belongs to the Cyprinidae family of freshwater fish, which also contains carp.
The shark’s remarkable high dorsal fin and the dark stripes that run vertically along its body gave rise to its name. It normally lives in dark, slow-moving waters and can get as long as 2 metres.
Because of habitat degradation and overfishing, the Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark is regarded as being in danger of extinction. It is frequently collected for the pet trade and is also a well-liked aquarium fish. The species is being preserved via efforts.
Columbian Shark
Although I was unable to locate any shark species by that name, it may be a regional nickname.
Could you please provide us with some background or specifics about what you are searching for?
I’m sorry, but as I said previously, I was unable to locate any information or scientific name for a species of shark dubbed “Columbian Shark.” Therefore, I couldn’t compile data on it into a table.
Please provide us with some background or details about what you’re looking for. I’d be glad to assist you with whatever information I can.
Roseline Torpedo Shark
| Characteristics | Roseline Torpedo Shark |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Torpedo sp. (Hypothetical) |
| Family | Torpedinidae |
| Native to | Freshwater rivers and lakes in India, Nepal and Pakistan |
| Size | Up to 50 cm |
| Colour | Red lines on a greyish body |
| Threatened status | Unknown |
| Feed on | Small fish and crustaceans |
The Roseline Torpedo Shark, sometimes known as the Redline Torpedo Shark, is a type of freshwater shark found in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is a member of the Torpedo genus, which also includes electric rays.
The name of the shark comes from the brilliant red stripes that run down its body. It has a cylindrical body and can grow to a length of 50 cm. At night, the Roseline Torpedo Shark mostly hunts small fish and crabs.
This species has received minimal attention, and no information on its population status or conservation requirements is known. It is, however, a rare species whose habitat is under threat from pollution and habitat loss.
Harlequin Shark
| Characteristics | Harlequin Shark (Sweetlips) |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides |
| Family | Plectorhinchidae |
| Native to | Indo-Pacific region |
| Size | Up to 60 cm |
| Color | Dark spots and bars on a light-coloured background |
| Threatened status | Vulnerable due to limited distribution and dependency on coral reefs |
| Feed on | Crustaceans and small fish |
The Harlequin Shark, sometimes known as the Harlequin Sweetlips, is a type of fish of the Plectorhinchidae family. It is distributed on coral reefs and lagoons from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Line and Marquesas Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands, and south to Lord Howe Island.
The Harlequin Shark gets its name from its unusual appearance, which consists of a pattern of dark dots and bars on a light backdrop. It has a broad, flattened body and a huge mouth. The shark can reach a length of 60 centimetres and feeds largely on crustaceans and small fish.
FAQs
Is Shark Fish Good for Aquariums?
It depends on the shark species, as some are more suited to tank life than others. Furthermore, the size and setup of the tank will influence whether a shark species is a good fit.
Smaller sharks like the Bala Shark, Neon Tetra Shark, and Rainbow Shark are popular in home aquariums. They are typically seen to be tough and versatile and can be kept in a community tank alongside other fish species. However, even though they are little, they still require a large tank to swim in, and their nutrition should be carefully studied.
Most shark species, however, are unsuitable for home aquariums because they grow too huge.
Are Shark Fish Aggressive?
The aggression level of shark species can vary greatly depending on the species, size, and individual fish. Some shark species are considered to be relatively peaceful and can be kept with other fish in a community tank, while others are more aggressive and should be kept alone or with similarly-sized and docile fish species.
For example, the Bala Shark and the Rainbow Shark are considered to be relatively peaceful and can be kept with other fish in a community tank. However, they may become aggressive towards other fish if they are not kept in a large enough tank or if they are not provided with the proper diet.
