red tailed black shark question

closeyetfar

i added some tiger barbs and a Rainbow Shark to my freshwater aquarium and for some reason the rtbs is chasing them around when every site says they are all compatible...any ideas as to why this is happening? any help would be great. thanks!

Falina

What size of tank? How much decor and plants? What other inhabitants?

RTSs can be pretty agressive as they are very territorial.

okiemavis

RTBS and rainbow sharks are both territorial and somewhat aggressive. They would definitely be having issues in the tank unless it is quite large.

The tigers are just boisterous and nippy- which bugs both of your territorial guys.

closeyetfar

its a 20 gallon tank and its just the rtbs, rainbow, and 4 tiger barbs. got 2 plants and a few other things in it for them to swim around/hide from eachother but the rtbs always finds them. could it be that i have had the rtbs in there a while and just added the rainbow and barbs today?

okiemavis

It definitely contributes to the problem that the RTBS had already staked out his territory. I'd recommend rearranging EVERY decoration in the tank.

However, I doubt the RTBS and Rainbow Shark will get along for very long regardless.

closeyetfar

alright thanks...its just weird cause the other fish hang out where the rtbs never used to hang out but ill re arrange and see what happens thanks for the advice

Lupin

A large tank should be in order. Make floor space your priority here. Tiger barbs and sharks are actually compatible. It's the space that is the issue here, not their aggression as both can actually handle each other out.

Tyyrlym

What I've heard, no real experience just yet, is that the best way to put a RTBS into a community tank is to introduce it last and very young. It's less likely to stake out the entire tank as its domain and won't be too aggressive towards everyone else.

At least thats what I've been told and am going to try.

Cody

^That is what I have done. My shark was onyl aroud 2" when I got him, and now he is almost 4". He has grown very fast, and still is nice to every fish in the tank besides the occasional scuffle he and my spawning Krib get into. No one is ever hurt, just the Krib "directing the shark" back to his territory.

steverothery

Rainbows and RTBS are pains in the ass. Beautiful but they will chase anything in a community aquarium. I had one, then the other (not at the same time) and then got rid. The are way more hassle than they're worth. And btw it will get MUCH worse as they get older towards 6inches in length they get very aggressive. ( at night when you can't see with the lights out ).

PS rainbow sharks and RTBS aren't meant to be kept together - you've been mis informed. You'll get away with it for a while, but mark my words in time you'll see the problems.
Also I might add that although it just looks like the sharks are chasing fish around, this causes the chased fish major stress, you'll start getting fin rot and ich in no time. It's like you living in a house with a cobra in the room next to you. You just can't relax can ya!