CheckMyFishTankRainbow Shark care
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum · Freshwater · Intermediate level care
A sleek bottom fish with a bright red tail that defends its space.
Feeding
Twice a day. One or two sinking pellets or wafers per fish, eaten within a few minutes. Sinking pellets, algae wafers, vegetables.
Claims a territory and guards it.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Rainbow Shark in a 130 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Rainbow Shark need different water temperatures.
- Discus: Discus and Rainbow Shark need different water temperatures.
- Demasoni Cichlid: Demasoni Cichlid fight their own kind. Keep only one per tank.
- Gold Nugget Pleco: Gold Nugget Pleco and Rainbow Shark need different water temperatures.
- Clown Knifefish: Clown Knifefish grows big enough to eat Rainbow Shark.
- Black Ghost Knifefish: Black Ghost Knifefish grows big enough to eat Rainbow Shark.
- Ornate Bichir: Ornate Bichir grows big enough to eat Rainbow Shark.
- Silver Arowana: Silver Arowana grows big enough to eat Rainbow Shark.
Questions
What size tank does a Rainbow Shark need?
At least 65 gallons. Adults grow to about 6 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Rainbow Shark like?
72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Rainbow Shark should I keep together?
Keep only one. Rainbow Shark fight their own kind.
What do Rainbow Shark eat?
Sinking pellets, algae wafers, vegetables. Feed twice a day: one or two sinking pellets or wafers per fish, eaten within a few minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.