Freshwater sharks

Freshwater sharks are not related to true sharks; the name comes from the tall dorsal fin and torpedo shape of these cyprinids and catfish. Some, like the rainbow and red-tailed black shark, are territorial but tank-sized, while bala and iridescent sharks grow far too large for most tanks. Each profile lists adult size, tank size and temperament so you can tell them apart.

8 species

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  Black Shark

  Labeo chrysophekadion

  23.6 in (60 cm)660 gal (2,500 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)

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  Colombian shark catfish

  Ariopsis seemanni

  13.8 in (35 cm)225 gal (850 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Flying fox

  Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus

  6.3 in (16 cm)37 gal (140 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)

• 

  Iridescent shark

  Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

  39.4 in (100 cm)528 gal (2,000 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

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  Paroon shark

  Pangasius sanitwongsei

  118.1 in (300 cm)2,113 gal (8,000 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Rainbow shark

  Epalzeorhynchos frenatum

  5.9 in (15 cm)32 gal (120 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)

• 

  Red-tailed black shark

  Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

  4.7 in (12 cm)30 gal (115 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)

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  Silver shark

  Balantiocheilus melanopterus

  15.7 in (40 cm)95 gal (360 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)