Shark In A 26 Gallon?

Jessman · Jun 20, 2013

Hi, i have a 26 gallon with guppies and platys, is it possible i could get a shark? Something like a ruby or red tail?
Will there be enough room for a shark? There is plenty of hiding spaces
And also can they live with guppies and platys??
Thanks

the_lock_man · Jun 20, 2013

I think it's a bit small. When RTBSs get older they can get rather territorial, anything that strays into what it considers its domain regrets it.

LeahMay · Jun 20, 2013

Ruby sharks are more peaceful but you are looking at a potential foot long shark (though more commonly 6-9 inch) and i do think that would give rise to some issues later on. They tend to thrive in 55G+ though could be kept very carefully in a 30G.
As for the red tail black shark roughly a similar size reached although they are more aggressive they dont typically bite fish but more chase them and try to corner them which will stress the target fish. I am also lead to believe these guys need 45G+ to live comfortably in a community.
And as always it depends on the personality of the fish, some are rather docile others will attack any moving object.

You may not have any issues now, but once you have a big ol' shark...

Jessman · Jun 20, 2013

Ahh ok, im getting a 50g tank in a few months so i might wait until i get that, just to be on the safe side

!!

Sophie · Jun 20, 2013

I had a fully grown Ruby Shark in with my Angels (rest of stocking in my signature).
She was the most docile, placid shark I have ever seen. They say the Ruby Shark has a more considerate nature towards other fish, as long as there's only one of them.
She had her own cave and route she would patrol around the tank.

The Red Tail can be much more territorial/aggressive in fish chasing. Especially in with Guppies and Platys who are very peaceful fish! I remember the Red Tail my mother owned when I was a child, terrorizing the tank and used to chase everything that came near it

Some people also advise that as long as said shark is added last, it will not try to over throw territories of existing members but I wouldn't put it past a few Red Tails I've seen at work.

The only fish we have in with our Red Tails are Tiger/Albino/Green Barbs who well, obviously hold their own

Jessman · Jun 20, 2013

Well that sounds promising, i prefer the ruby sharks anyway!
If i see one i like i might talk it over with the person at the lfs to see what they think, and ask what kind of temperment the shark has

Sophie · Jun 20, 2013

Yeah - even a few minutes watching it with tank mates might help.

Jessman · Jun 20, 2013

Yeah i might just do that, thanks Sophie!

LeahMay · Jun 22, 2013

I also have a ruby shark who is lovely, doesn't bother with the tetra nor any other fish in the tank. I would just watch them in the lfs and specifically choose the shark you want! You may get a few grumbles about them all looking the same but if one shark is bullying the other fish you wouldn't want to buy it! With regards the new tank being bought soon you may well be fine buying a very small shark now and transferring it when the 50G arrives, you just don't want to be stunting growth or confining it too much so it gets nasty with the other fish. Good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

Jessman · Jun 22, 2013

Thanks leah

would be fine in a 26 g for a few months wouldnt it?

Sophie · Jun 22, 2013

Or be patient

always worth being patient in the fish keeping world!

LeahMay · Jun 22, 2013

Gonna repeat what's been said above, patience is key! But a juvenile ruby shark could work short term in a 26G if placid and hiding places are available. I would personally wait for the bigger tank but if for reasons its better for you to get the shark now and the tank in august they're wouldn't be too much of a problem.