hi, I have 350L juwel trigon, and would like a shark fish to join my other fish
5 male guppies, 2 clown loach, 2 mickey mouse platys, 2 black widow tetras, 4 neon tetras and 2 german blue rams. I would like one that really resembles a shark (even though they're not REAL sharks). I've seen balas but not sold on adult looks. I'm open to catfish but pls consider tank size for adults as i wont be upgrading. Any suggestions welcome, thanks for your time.

Hi

Can you let us know the pH and hardness of your tap water as that will have a bearing on suggestions?

Straight away though, it's a good thing you aren't keen on Balas as they are not suitable for your tank. They are shoaling fish who need to be in a group of at least six, grow to about a foot long and need a tank around 8 feet long

The other obvious candidates are the Red Tailed Black Shark and Ruby Shark, but the design of the Trigon could be an issue for them. They have a specific way of taking off when swimming that means they need at least 4 feet tank length and a Trigon 350 will only give them that length right at the front. They are also aggressive and territorial so don't tend to be recommended for more peaceful communities with smaller fish, or with others who use the bottom of the tank (Rams, Loaches).

Long term, unfortunately, the Trigon isn't suitable for your Clown Loaches either. These grow to a whopping 12 -14 inches and need a group of at least six to thrive, with a 6ft x 2ft x 2ft tank as they grow.

Yeah another reason why I didnt want the balas. Ph is 7.0, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 10, GH 107, KH 71.6. Clowns seem to be ok, pretty confident in a pair. They are 2" at the mo but if they seem to outgrow my tank in years to come then I will upgrade straight away, its all about the fish for me. (thats why i do a broad research before buying LOL). would like something quite unusual/rare. oh temp is at 25-26. And run a fluval 405 as well as the jumbo thats with the trigon.

thanks

Of the most commonly available shark-like fish the best suited to your set up is probably the Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum), however, all these shark-like fish can be very territorial and it's usually not a good idea to keep them with bottom-dwelling cichlids (such as your Rams), or with much smaller fish or anything that looks like they do.

In your tank you'd have to keep just one. It would probably get on OK with your Clown Loaches, but as I said before, they really need a bigger tank and a bigger group - unfortunately waiting for them to outgrow the tank may mean they become stunted before you realise what is happening.

As your water is soft and neutral it's OK for these types of fish, but isn't ideal for the livebearers you have - Platys and Guppies do better in hard, alkaline water. Your Neons could do with a larger group too really.

In the end, tanks for sharks need to be designed around their needs, with suitable companions. The shark should be the last fish added when in a community tank as otherwise it will believe any and all unoccupied tank space is its own personal territory.

Rainbow Sharks...They're a nice fish...Until they build their territories. When I first got mine is was nice and peaceful, it just minded its own business. I've had it for about 3 months and it has grown significantly. It is now very aggressive towards fish that get close to it. Feeding time is judgement day for my fish. Its not aggressive all the time, let's say 80% of the time. I really don't want to re-home it so I'm considering putting it in its own in my old 136L aquarium where. However this is just my experience, they may have their own personalities.

hi thanks for the advice but was hoping there was a shark like fish i had missed. Didn't really want the red tailed or rainbow due to their territorial traits and keeping other bottom dwellers of similar appearance. Also I intended to buy more neons this weekend. I only add small groups at a time. This tank has not long gone through its cycle, hence only 17 fish in a 350L.
Refering to the clowns I have several books stating my tank is a suitable size for a small group, unfortunately in aquatics a fishkeeper cant do right from wrong as everyone has different opinions. Back to the original question, thanks for the input but may well just leave the shark for now.
thanks

hi ghosteye, the rainbow was one of my original thoughts. Think its hit and miss with this one. They all have different personalities. I bought a siamese fighter the other week which was at the lfs with guppies all with perfect tails. Got him (Elvis) home and he was attacking my guppies. Even seperated him in a large fry holder overnight and awoke to found he had jumped back into the main tank. lol. split personality. He had to go back unfortunately. :- (

The infamous Marge!

Scroll down for pics of her (yes she's big) but her friends, a bit smaller, still get massive! Shoaling, gregarious, social fish who need big groups of their own kind to be happy.

http://www.loaches.com/species-index/ ... -chromobotia-macracanthus

This is why FK recommends big tanks - 500 litres min - for these lovelies before they get stunted. Given they should put a lot of growth on in the early years, they are specialist fish really, few can house them medium to long term without space issues.

FK caresheet here: http://www.fishkeeping.co.uk/modules/ ... sheet.php?caresheetID=101

Can only agree that rehoming these fish would be wise really and continue with the others as posted. Will save you major headache and far kinder for the fish.

V

That clown loach is gorgeous. thanks

You posted more info as I was typing

Quote:

Betta require quite soft/acidic water and generally are best on their own. FK recommend a min of 45 litres as a Betta species only tank. Guppies don't thrive in such water.

Certainly Betta should not be mixed with other colourful fish who cause a 'threat' or territory situation. A nightmare waiting to happen with split fins etc.

Guppies favouring harder water are not recommended due to:

a) Ddifferent water params, some of these fish fish will be uber stressed - will lead to illness, medium term

b) Betta - Territorial issues with fish who look similar, floaty tails, bright colours, fighting possibly death

What is the tank pH/GH? This will dictate suitable stock but you need to delve deeper if keeping a community set up.