Can You Really Keep Freshwater Aquarium Sharks?

Imagine your aquarium full of 1000 kg’s of dangerous giants with big jaws, hundreds of forceful sharp teeth, and creatures with strong and powerful swimming capabilities.

Yes, we are talking about sharks, but not these giant ocean-dwelling types of sharks, we’re talking about freshwater aquarium sharks that are safe and will do well in your home aquarium.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a mini great white shark in your home aquarium? Unfortunately, there aren’t options that can perfectly replicate real marine sharks but here are some ways you can get close to achieving that goal.

When deciding on which types of sharks to keep in your freshwater aquarium, here are some points to take into consideration.

Keeping Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

Freshwater sharks that will work well for the home aquarium aren’t actually classified as sharks, but types of minnows and carps from the Cyprinidae family. These types of shark fish resemble real sharks with their shark-like body shapes, behaviors and fins.

It’s very important to keep aquarium size in mind when choosing a shark species for your freshwater aquarium because many types will grow too large for their tank. Although you might start out with a 2-inch long fry, they can quickly grow to be a size of 32 inches!

Popular Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

Here are some of the most popular freshwater aquarium sharks suitable for a home aquarium:

1. Bala Shark

These big-eyed silver sharks are of the hardiest and active fish and are great for beginners because they will do well with temperature and water changes.

They resemble minnows with their silver iridescence and, although they are semi-aggressive, they will get along with many different types of small fish.

They love to live in shoals, and prefer a larger aquarium with thick vegetation, and hiding spots like driftwood, caves, and rocks. They can grow to be 16 inches so a large tank (55 gallons) is important to have.

Another essential thing to know about the Bala shark is that it’s been known to jump. Make sure you have a tight lid on your aquarium to keep this fish inside of your tank at all times.

Their diet consists of high quality dried flakes and frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small crustaceans.

With proper care and conditions, the Bala Shark can live for up to 8-10 years.

2. Red Tail Shark

The Red Tail Shark is one of the smallest and most common freshwater sharks. They can grow to be 4-6 inches and would do just fine in a 30-50-gallon tank.

These sharks are black and have orange or red colors on their fins. If the bright orange and red colors start fading, then it might be time to check your diet and water parameters.

They are territorial and tend to be aggressive towards other fish in the tank and will not get along well with other types of shark fish.

These fish are also jumpers like the Bala shark so be sure to keep your tank covered.

Their diet consists of high-quality vegetables, flakes, pellets and plant-based foods. They will also enjoy frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.

With proper care, they can have a long lifespan of up to 8-10 years.

3. Flying Foxes

Also known as the Siamese Algae Eater, these sharks will stay relatively small and grow to be 6 inches in size.

Like the Bala Shark, they also prefer to live in schools so a large freshwater aquarium is best.

A tank of 20-40 gallons will be required for a mid-sized Flying Fox. The Flying Fox is a bottom-dwelling algae eater and will help keep your tank clean.

Their diet consists of flakes, wafers, tablets, vegetables and aquatic insects.

They are one of the friendliest of the freshwater aquarium shark species and would also love to have hiding places, rocks and driftwood in their aquarium.

They are compatible with docile species of similar size and if kept in a suitable aquarium, this fish may live up from 8-10 years. (source)

Photo Credit: Flickr

4. Chinese High Fin Banded Shark

The Chinese High Fin Banded Shark is another popular freshwater aquarium shark. They will require a large tank (55+gallon) as they can grow up to 40-inches long.

They are fairly sensitive to nitrate level and water temperature changes and will require cold fast-flowing water and efficient filtration. (source)

When they’re young, they consist of bold contrasting black and white bands but as they grow, their body shape and coloration will change and fade.

They like to travel in shoals and have a playful and peaceful temperament.

They will even change colors depending on their mood and when they grow in size, they will start to get more curious and comb through the substrate for food, or move plants and re-arrange your décor.

Their diet consists of live or frozen vegetables, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

This shark has a long lifespan and with proper care, can live for up to 20-25 years!

You Can Keep Freshwater Aquarium Sharks

As you can see, it is possible to keep certain types of sharks in your freshwater aquarium tank. Some species will require a larger tank than others so make sure you plan out your aquarium setup and space before you choose which types of species you wish to have in your tank.

They may not be the giant beautiful ocean monsters that we all love, but freshwater sharks can be fulfilling fish to keep because they are attractive, active and hardy.

What’s Your Experience?

Do you have experience with keeping a freshwater shark in your home aquarium? We would love to hear about it. Tell us your story in the comments section below.