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18 Best Small & Larger Freshwater Pet Sharks

Thomas Jepsen

June 29, 2023

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There has been a rapid spread of interest in aquarium shark fish in the past months because several people cannot get enough of them. Owning an aquarium shark brings joy to some people regardless of the species.

These creatures are in high demand among fish collectors and lovers. Most people think these creatures have gigantic sharp teeth and a torpedo-like form. Contrary to popular belief, it is fun to pet one. 

Some people are only about to get into the habit of petting one, so we put together a list of the top freshwater sharks to keep as a pet. These come in a variety of sizes. Some are small, while some are large. It is up to the owner to decide which one to take home at the end of the day.

Summary

The best smaller freshwater pet shark is the Silver Apollo and Violet Blushing sharks. The best larger fresh water pet sharks are Labeo chrysophekadion and Myxocyprinus asiaticus.

Best Small & Larger Freshwater Pet Sharks

Aquarium sharks are not sharks at all. It is unclear how these fishes started to be referred to as sharks, but they have common characteristics that may resolve the mystery.

The following are some features that are common among these freshwater aquarium sharks:

• They can reproduce while in captivity.
• They are carp or tropical cyprinids, among the most adored aquatic pets in the world.
• These creatures are mid to bottom-water fish dwellers with pointed dorsal fins and forked tails.
• They are easy to care for.

One of the primary reasons for calling these creatures “sharks” was for popularity. This strategy pushed its popularity through the roof, making them one of the sought-after aquarium pets among enthusiasts. They are fish that looks like sharks.

However, most of these creatures are not ideal for beginners. These pet sharks require more care and attention than the average goldfish. They remain popular among owners because they are attractive despite the challenges of caring for them.

The following fishes are some of the most attractive and active pets in the aquatic world. They have a distinctive shape, move fast, and look amazing when housed with others. 

1. Bala Shark

Bala sharks are gentle giants despite their slightly intimidating appearance. They get along nicely with a variety of fish and are generally calm. When they grow bigger, they may begin to see smaller animals as food, but for the most part, they show respect to most fish.

They are active swimmers and will spend hours swimming around their environment. The Bala may exhibit schooling behavior when kept with groups.

2. Red Tail

The red-tail shark has long been one of the most beloved fish species among aquarists. It is also the smallest freshwater shark. These were first discovered in freshwater marshes and lakes in Thailand. They are currently regarded as fragile, endangered, or threatened in the wild. Their body consists of a bright red tail coupled with a dark-black body. These creatures are resilient, making them an excellent trait.

3. Rainbow

Red-finned and ruby sharks are other names for this species is referred. It offers a vibrant color pop to any freshwater tank. The fiery red tail stands against a dark body, making it bright. Their fins are semi-transparent, allowing you to see rays.

We do not recommend this type for beginners because they are aggressive and very territorial. They attack other creatures that cross their territory. This behavior does not happen in the wild, making it a fascinating trait for researchers. 

4. Iridescent

The iridescent shark requires a level of commitment when caring. These are native to Southeast Asia, so acquiring one in the US or Canada can be challenging. These grow big and can survive up to twenty-five years. Some even go beyond that timeline.

The young iridescent has glossy, black skin that sparkles when hit by sunlight. On the other hand, the adult ones have a more uniform dark gray shade. Its tone develops as the fish goes through maturity.

They have a big appetite, causing them to grow up to 36 inches long.

5. Violet Blushing

The violet blushing is far more peaceful than other freshwater tank sharks. They are not as territorial as the others and thrive on communal tanks.

These sharks are named this way because of their distinctive physical features. Their transparent body lets you see through their bodies. The gills are its most noticeable physical feature. 

6. Columbian

The Columbian is difficult to maintain because they require a lot of attention. As juveniles, they need brackish water to survive. The tank’s gravity should sit between 1.005 and 1.010. You need to add sea salt when assembling the fish tank.

The Columbian has multiple long barbel sets on their heads, which they utilize to look for food and explore their surroundings.

7. Black

The black shark is a large fish species with an aggressive personality and nature. You can find them across Malaysia in Southeast Asia. It has an all-black appearance and a shape typical among freshwater sharks.

Its dorsal fin generally remains flat against its body but occasionally will erect to show strength. The black species is fierce and a predator. 

8. Roseline

The Roseline is undoubtedly an eye-catcher because of its striking colors, allowing it to stand out against any background or setting. You will see patches of green, gold, black, red, and yellow stripes.

This mini shark is not aggressive at all, making it a perfect shark in an aquarium at home. They are typically calm and do not care about other fishes in their surroundings. 

9. Harlequin

The Harlequin is a fascinating shark for the fish tank type. They are mesmerizing because of their color. However, they have a lonely life because of their aggressiveness toward animals with a similar appearance as theirs. They tend to keep a fair amount of distance from other fishes. Do not keep them in groups if you plan to pet them.

Moreover, they need several hiding spots to survive. You may want to consider a rock pile or drought-tolerant plants as hiding places. They are algae feeders, so they eat almost everything they can find at the tank’s bottom. Some creatures that fall under this category are algae and plant debris. 

10. Chinese High-Fin Banded

You can only keep this species in public aquarium facilities or large tanks because of how long they grow. Despite their size, they are generally friendly and get along with other creatures. They are also not aggressive and can coexist with other fishes.

These have a unique appearance when they are young. You can quickly distinguish it from the rest because of the three vertical stripes on its body. 

11. Silver Apollo

The silver apollo prefers to stay on the top portion of an aquarium, opposite most sharks. They are aggressive creatures that hunt smaller prey whenever an opportunity arises. We recommend keeping it in a tank with large semi-aggressive species. The silver apollo likes combining with large groups or shoals to protect themselves from bigger creatures.

They are strong swimmers because of their torpedo-shaped bodies. We recommend a massive swimming space, so they can quickly swim from one end to the other.

12. Albino Rainbow

The albino rainbow is a white version of the rainbow shark. These two have very similar characteristics. The albino rainbow has vibrant red fins and red eyes, making them stand out from the rest.

It requires a big tank. These also have territorial impulses, so choose the creatures you will mix with them.

13. Siamese Algae Eater

The C. langei are most efficient and effective in removing algae. Although you can find them in Southeast Asia, they are rare. They make excellent sucker fish for growing in freshwater tanks because of their algae preference.

14. Cosmic-Blue Glo

The Glo-sharks is the largest glo-fish you will find in an aquarium. Scientists created them using genes from a jellyfish, where they received their unique color.

Their primary purpose is to detect environmental contaminants, but several collectors consider their beautiful pets.

15. Galactic Purple Glofish

The galactic purple has similar characteristics to the cosmic-blue glo. The main difference between them lies in their physical features.

This fish has a white face, purple or mild pink undertones, and red eyes. The galactic purple is likely the perfect bursting with colors fish.

16. Electric Green Glo

The electric green glo has similar features to the previous two species we have covered. An albino rainbow shark received a unique gene to get that electric green light glow. 

17. Golden

Some refer to it as the red-finned cigar shark. These can grow to a length of up to 48 inches, making them one of the most enormous types you will find. The golden shark needs a giant tank to thrive.

18. Chinese Algae Eater

The Chinese algae eater, or sucking loach, does not exist or originate in China. You will find these raised in aquariums. They have unsettling and strange behavior.

You will sometimes find them attached to large, slow-moving fishes. They can get nutrition from the slime coating of the victim.

FAQ

The following are the frequently asked questions for freshwater sharks.