Rainbow Shark and Betta Fish Together: Compatibility and Suitable Tankmates

Never keep a rainbow shark and betta together. There are many reasons why rainbow sharks and betta fish can’t be together. One reason is that they have different needs – a rainbow shark needs a lot of space to swim around, while a betta fish prefers wet surroundings. Additionally, rainbow sharks are predators and might eat the little betta fish in their aquarium. So, it’s best to keep them separate.

Behavior Differences of Rainbow Sharks and Bettas

Rainbow Shark Temperament

The rainbow shark is a relatively peaceful fish and can be kept in most aquariums. As with all sharks, keep them away from other aggressive tankmates. In addition, the rainbow shark is easy to keep and doesn’t require much maintenance.

Betta Fish Temperament

The betta fish is much more aggressive and should not be kept with the rainbow shark because they can get along fine in captivity, but their instincts will kick in if they are kept together in an aquarium. The betta fish might start to harass or attack the rainbow shark.

Additionally, the betta fish is much more sensitive to water changes than the rainbow shark. So, regular water changes might be necessary if you want to keep them both in your aquarium.

The Best Tank Mates for Rainbow Shark

The best tank mates for the rainbow shark are other peaceful fish that won’t scare or harass the shark. These can include barb fish, loaches, and danios. So, ensure to choose a spacious tank for the shark and the other fish.

Barb

The barb fish is another great tank mate for the rainbow shark. They are both peaceful and won’t harass or scare the shark. Additionally, they can live in a small aquarium together without issues.

Loaches

The loach is a great fish to keep with the rainbow shark as they can get along well. They are both easy-going and don’t require much maintenance. Loaches also like to swim around in water that is wet, so the tank will be suitable for them both.

Danios

The danio is another great fish to keep with the rainbow shark. They are both peaceful and low-maintenance. The only downside of this fish is that they can be a bit finicky when it comes to water quality. However, if you take care of their water conditions, they will get along just fine with your rainbow shark tank mate.

Rainbow Fish

If you want to keep rainbow fish with your rainbow shark, make sure to get a tank large enough for them both. Rainbow fish are territorial and will fight if they are kept in close quarters with other fish. Additionally, they can be messy eaters so it is important to provide an adequate food source.

Rasboras

Rasboras are an excellent choice for anyone looking to keep their rainbow shark in a smaller tank. They are small, active fish that can live peacefully with other similarly sized fish species. Additionally, they eat minimally and will not compete with the shark for food or space.

If you’re looking to add a rainbow shark to your aquarium without any extra trouble, rasbora may be an ideal option.

Gouramis

Gouramis can be a good choice for anyone looking to keep their rainbow shark in a tank with more room. They are larger than rasboras and tend to have a more dynamic personality, so that they might provide additional entertainment for your shark.

They eat moderately and will not compete with the shark for food or space. Lastly, they are tolerant of a broader range of water temperatures.

Plecos

Plecos are an excellent choice for anyone looking to keep their rainbow shark in a tank with other fish. They are peaceful and eat relatively small amounts, meaning they won’t monopolize the food or space available to the shark.

Additionally, they can live in water temperatures that range from mild to moderately hot, making them an ideal option for those living in areas where the water temperature can change during different seasons.

Snails

Snails can be a great addition to any aquarium and are especially beneficial for keeping rainbow sharks in smaller tanks. They consume small amounts of food so they won’t compete with the shark for resources or space.

They come in different colors and shapes, making them an exciting addition to your tank’s decoration. Lastly, they are relatively slow-moving and will not cause any problems for the shark.

Tank Mates to Avoid

Although rainbow sharks are generally peaceful and will not cause any problems for tank mates, it is always a good idea to avoid fish that can be food- or space-competitive. These fish include:

Bala Shark

Bala sharks are predators and can potentially become a threat to the rainbow shark if they are kept in the same tank. Additionally, their large body size might cause problems for the smaller fish in your tank; therefore, keeping them in separate tanks is best.

Guppy Fish

Although guppies can be an excellent addition to most aquariums, they might become food- or space-competitive with the rainbow shark if they are kept together.

Additionally, their fast swimming speed could cause problems for the shark if it begins to try and chase down food that the guppy has captured.

Red Tail Sharks

Although red tail sharks are usually gentle and non-aggressive fish, they can become territorial if they are kept in the same aquarium with other Sharks. Additionally, their large size could cause problems for smaller fish in the tank.

Cichlids

Although cichlids can be a great addition to most aquariums, rainbow sharks are not typically their preferred food, so it is best to avoid keeping them in the same tank. Additionally, as they are fast-swimming fish, they could potentially cause problems for the shark if it begins to try and chase down its prey.

Catfish

Although catfish can be a great addition to most aquariums, they are not typically the preferred food of rainbow sharks, so it is best to avoid keeping them in the same tank.

Additionally, their fast swimming speed could potentially cause problems for the shark if it begins to try and chase down its prey.