Rainbow Shark

Rainbow Shark Tank Setup

Treat 120 litres (32 US gallons) as a starting point - big predators need length, strong filtration, and a secure lid. Hold the water at 68-79°F and pH 6-7.8, and assume anything small enough to swallow will eventually be eaten. Always keep a group of at least 6 of their own kind - kept alone or in pairs they tend to turn shy, nippy, or wash out in colour. They reach about 15 cm as adults, so don't be misled by the small juveniles sold in stores.

What Do Rainbow Sharks Eat?

They're not fussy eaters - feed a varied diet, rotating good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods rather than the same thing every day, and match the food size to their mouths.

Rainbow Shark Tank Mates

Keep in groups of at least 6. May nip fins; avoid with long-finned or slow tankmates. The Rainbow Shark is semi-aggressive, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. It's a known fin-nipper, so avoid bettas, guppies, and other slow, long-finned fish. It's a shoaling fish, so settle a group of 6 or more of its own kind before adding anything else - a stressed, lonely fish is far more likely to nip or hide. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Rainbow Sharks Good for Beginners?

Doable once you test water regularly and catch problems before fish look sick. If this is your first tank, pick something more forgiving and come back later.