Introduction

The Red Tail Shark is a pretty and unique-looking type of fish from Chao Phraya basins, in the country of Thailand. These fish get their name due to their shark-like appearance and their bright red tail, which contrasts their black body.

The Red Tail Shark measures about 6 inches in length, and are thought to be an endangered species in the wild. They are active swimmers with a feisty personality. Also, Red Tail Sharks can potentially be aggressive toward other fish. Furthermore, they are incredibly territorial, and may cause chaos if other fish in their tank try to enter into it.

When considering to keep Red Tail Sharks, you must know to pair them with the right tank mates. In this article you will be able to find out what species make good tank mates for this territorial, semi-aggressive fish.

MOLLIES

Very common and small in size, mollies are a freshwater fish which can occur in a wide variety of hues, forms, and dimensions. Did you know that Mollies can come in up to 40 different species?

These school fish are among the greatest tank mates for a Red Tail Shark. They are a calm, peaceful fish which won’t bother your Red Tail Shark. They prefer to keep away from any trouble and have a very calm disposition. They don’t really interact with other fish apart from their own kind. They swim in shoals, and Red Tail Sharks usually won’t bother groups.

Always make sure that your tank size is large enough for both your Red Tail Sharks and mollies to have lots of freedom. This is because some mollies can turn hostile due to overcrowding.

KRIBENSIS

Kribensis is a fish which is colorful like a rainbow, serene, and requires very little maintenance. They are fish which stick to themselves, and don’t interact or bother other fish, like your Red Tail Shark. They simply stays clear of them, making them a perfect tank mate.

They are social fish which get along with other friendly, social fish but can easily tolerate semi-aggressive species, too. They won’t ever try to confront your Red Tail Shark.

APPLE SNAILS

Apple Snails are a freshwater type of snail which you can keep in your aquarium and easily take care of. Being snails, they are completely docile and don’t bother your other tank mates. They won’t even interact with your Red Tail Shark.

They don’t take up territory, which will keep your Red Tail Shark happy, as it won’t be disturbed by the presence of the snails. However, remember to provide enough calcium for your apple snails, and plenty of plants for them to reside or find hiding spots in.

SWORDTAILS

Swordtails are little fish that are easy to care for. Their name comes from a long, pointed tail, which resembles a sword, and they are commonly olive green with some yellow and red streaks.

The thing about swordtails is that they are shy, frightful fish, so they will avoid confrontation at any cost. They will prefer to completely avoid your Red Tail Shark instead of bothering them or making advances.

In fact, swordtails like to hide a lot, so make sure to provide lots of bushy live plants (e.g. hornwort) for them to shelter in. Their coy nature makes them very good tank mates for Red Tail Shark, as the two will never have any disputes.

CANDY CANE TETRAS

Candy Cane Tetras are very adaptable and hardy fish have a rosy colored body and white tipped fins. These fish are easy to look after and a non-aggressive species. They are peaceful and docile, which means they are a suitable tank mate for the Red Tail Shark.

Another fact is that Candy Cane Tetras are quite timid, and won’t bother other fish, including your Red Tail Shark. If disturbed, they are most likely to startle and stay clear of any threat.

Keep in mind, though, that like mollies, these fish may get agitated if kept in an overcrowded aquarium – and may even nip. Always ensure they got plenty of space available.

NEON TETRAS

Another type of Tetra, Neon Tetras come in striking, neon colors, and are very peaceful. These fish stick in shoals, and don’t disrupt other fish out of their own community, which usually consists of 8 or more Neon Tetras. They won’t disturb your Red Tail Shark or pay any interest to them.

Also, a Red Tail Shark won’t even notice your Neon Tetras as long as both fish have plenty of space to hide and spend time in. As a result of their shoaling life and peaceful disposition, Neon Tatras are great mates for Red Tail Sharks.

DANIOS

Next up on our list we have small, spotted fish called Danios. The great thing about this fish is that it doesn’t need a big aquarium like other fish such as Candy Cane Tetras. They are not bothered by overcrowding, as they do well in a small tank.

Danios are peaceful of nature and like to hang out in shoals at the top of your tank. For that reason, they will make good Red Tail Shark Mates, as they won’t bother even them. They won’t invade your Red Tail Shark’s territory and will not interact with them.

One note to remember, though, is that Danios must be kept in schools of at least 6 fish, because they will not be happy otherwise.

DWARF GOURAMIS

Last of all, we have chosen Dwarf Gouramis. Colorful and hardy, these fish can hunt prey by spitting at it with their mouth. They are a calm, docile fish that will never bother your Red Tail Shark.

Dwarf Gouramis have a good appetite and love to eat, so they will be more interested in that than on your Shark. They get along with plenty of species of fish. However, one interesting fact is that although non-aggressive, these fish may become less tolerant if they sense mating competition from other Dwarf Gouramis. This won’t affect your Red Tail Shark, but if keeping multiple Dwarf Gouramis, keep that in mind!

Conclusion

To conclude what are some best tank mate picks for Red Tail Sharks? Mollies, Kribensis, Apple Snails, Swordtails, Candy Cane Tetras, Neon Tetras, Danios, and Dwarf Gouramis.

What makes these species the best picks? For the most part, it’s their peaceful and non-aggressive nature. Thinking of getting any of these? You will be sure that both your Red Tail Shark and docile species will both get along, and you will have a happy, chaos-free aquarium at all times.

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