Do you wish to add excitement to your tank? Choosing one of the freshwater aquarium sharks might be just the way to do it! These fishes will make every setup look like a tropical paradise.

While sharks you can get for your freshwater tank are not really related to sharks, they sure look the part! Each and every one of the 17 species I’ve listed looks like it could eat other fish or even humans if it was bigger. 

But, are freshwater aquarium sharks dangerous for your fish? Are they beginner-friendly? How many species are there? These are just some of the questions I have heard from my friends who are interested in keeping them. And I have all the answers!

While it’s challenging to say just how many species of tank sharks are there, I have counted the most popular ones. Here’s what they are, in no particular order:

1. Red Tail Shark

Also known as bicolor shark, red tail shark is one of the most common freshwater aquarium sharks you can find. Despite this, they are not the easiest fish to care for, and the main reason is their temperament. 

Many fish confuse the red tail shark with the rainbow shark that I’ll also mention. While the two are related and live in similar water parameters, you should never combine the two. This would be the recipe for disaster!

While not as aggressive as a crowntail betta, red tail shark has a unique combination of timid and territorial temperament. While this species gets scared rather easily, it will also chase the usurper (or any fish it doesn’t like) throughout the tank without giving up.

 These fish will love heavily-planted tanks, as well as lots of decorations. They especially love caves they can claim, and providing them with plenty of hiding spots might help calm their temperament – although just slightly.

Scientific Name:	Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Size:	6 inches
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Semi-aggressive
Tank Size:	55 gallons
Water Temperature:	72°F – 77°F
Water Hardness:	5 – 11 dGH
pH Value:	6.5 – 7.5
Suitable Tank Mates:	Neon tetra, bala shark, angelfish, gourami
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

2. Roseline Torpedo Shark

Roseline torpedo shark is a fish that belongs to the barb family. Yes, despite its appearance, it’s much closer related to your tiger barb than to dangerous saltwater sharks! 

While much smaller, the reason why it looks like a shark is due to its fin placement and the shape of its tail. However, this is where the similarities end, as the Roseline shark is a rather peaceful omnivore that isn’t dangerous in the slightest.

This colorful fish is native to India, but today you can commonly find it in aquariums all over the world. It lives in large schools, and you should always keep at least 4 of them together. Unfortunately, this also means you need to have a fairly large aquarium to keep them.

Roseline shark is one of the friendliest freshwater aquarium sharks you can find. They do well in most community tanks, although you might want to keep them with similarly-sized fish.

They also aren’t likely to eat your shrimp or snails, making them one of the most versatile fish out there.

Scientific Name:	Sahyadria denisonii
Size:	6 inches
Diet:	Omnivores
Temperament:	Peaceful
Tank Size:	55 gallons
Water Temperature:	60°F – 77°F
Water Hardness:	5 – 25 dGH
pH Value:	6.5 – 7.8
Suitable Tank Mates:	Danios, tetras, zebra loaches, yoyo loaches, snails, shrimp
Care Difficulty:	Easy

3. Siamese Algae Eater

Siamese algae eater is a shark-like fish that is commonly kept due to its relaxed nature and peaceful temperament. Just like many other fish from this list, its resemblance to huge sea creatures comes from the shape of its fins and tail, as well as its elongated body.

While you can find out its main diet just by looking at its name, the Siamese algae eater is, in fact, omnivorous, and it might scavenge on dead animal matter. However, it prefers a herbivorous diet and is unlikely to harm any living fish or crustaceans. 

Yes, this means you can peacefully keep a Siamese algae eater with your cherry shrimp! In fact, this fish loves the company of other tank animals. Not just that, but you should keep them in schools of 4-6 – although they can survive in smaller groups.

Just keep in mind that this is a bottom-dwelling fish. Many bottom dwellers, such as the already mentioned red tail shark, tend to be quite aggressive toward fish that enter their territory. 

Siamese algae eater is a resilient fish that isn’t difficult to care for. In fact, it is one of the best beginner-friendly freshwater aquarium sharks you can find.

Scientific Name:	Crossocheilus siamensis
Size:	6 inches
Diet:	Omnivores
Temperament:	Peaceful
Tank Size:	20 gallons
Water Temperature:	75°F – 80°F
Water Hardness:	5 – 20 dGH
pH Value:	6.5 – 8.0
Suitable Tank Mates:	Angelfish, barbs, gouramis, corydoras, snails, fish
Care Difficulty:	Easy

4. Bala Shark

The Bala shark is yet another very popular freshwater fish that looks just like a small shark due to the color and position of its fins and tail. It originates from Southeast Asia, but found its way into US tanks several decades ago. 

Despite what many fishkeepers think, this fish can grow to be fairly large. One of mine reached the length of 12 inches, but I have heard they can grow even bigger and reach 14 inches in size! This also means they need a really large tank. 

While these fish can survive in a wide range of parameters, they are rather sensitive to change. Any sudden disruption of water quality can lead to illnesses such as dropsy or ich. 

This, combined with the large tank size, makes them a somewhat bad choice for beginners.

Bala sharks are friendly fish that love to live in schools of at least 3. They are also suitable for most tankmates with similar temperament. 

However, don’t combine them with much smaller fish or crustaceans. Your dwarf shrimp might become a tasty snack in no time!

Scientific Name:	Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Size:	14 inches
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Active and peaceful
Tank Size:	120 gallons
Water Temperature:	72°F – 82°F
Water Hardness:	5 – 12 dGH
pH Value:	6.0 – 8.0
Suitable Tank Mates:	Rainbowfish, gouramis, rasboras, corydoras
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

5. Violet Blushing Shark

Violet blushing shark might easily be the most beautiful freshwater aquarium shark you can find. Despite not being leucistic or albino, it comes in a beautiful white to pink color with a few brighter pink spots. 

This bottom-feeder originates from Southeast Asia, which means it prefers conditions naturally found in lakes, ponds, and rivers from that area. This includes slightly acidic, warm water.

Violet blushing shark is a territorial fish that isn’t a huge fan of most tank mates you can get for it. However, it can live in harmony with large and peaceful fish such as rainbowfish, devarios, or large loach species. 

Unfortunately, this gorgeous-looking fish isn’t the best choice for beginners. One of the reasons behind this is that it requires a fairly large tank – mostly because they thrive in groups of up to 6 sharks.

Scientific Name:	Labeo boga
Size:	12 inches
Diet:	Carnivore
Temperament:	Semi-aggressive
Tank Size:	200 gallons
Water Temperature:	68°F – 78°F
Water Hardness:	5 – 20 dGH
pH Value:	6.0 – 7.5
Suitable Tank Mates:	Large loaches, rainbowfish, devarios
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

6. Rainbow Shark

While the rainbow shark is one of the most beautiful species of fish that look like sharks, it is also a bit of a jerk. In fact, it has a temperament that can match that of a real shark!

Rainbow sharks are tropical fish that prefer warm water and neutral pH. They are a bit picky about water parameters, so they might not be the best choice for beginners.

When it comes to choosing proper tank mates, things can get even trickier. Some rainbow sharks will never tolerate other fish species in their habitat. Others, however, can get along with fish that stay away from the bottom of the tank.

Don’t even think about keeping them together with smaller fish or small crustaceans such as amano shrimp! These fish will gladly fight much larger animals. Smaller ones don’t stand a chance.

Fortunately, there are some ways to limit their aggression, such as providing them with plenty of caves and hiding spots, such as live plants.

Scientific Name:	Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Size:	6 inches
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Semi-aggressive
Tank Size:	55 gallons
Water Temperature:	72°F – 82°F
Water Hardness:	5 – 11 dGH
pH Value:	6.5 – 7.5
Suitable Tank Mates:	Rasboras, danios, rainbowfish, gouramis
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

7. Iridescent Shark

Out of all the fish I’ve listed, one freshwater fish that looks like shark the most is the iridescent shark. It truly looks just like a miniature shark you can keep in your tank! Although, it is not as miniature as you might think. 

In fact, iridescent sharks – also known as striped catfish – can grow to be larger than many true sharks, as they can reach 4 feet in size. Fortunately, they rarely reach this size in captivity, but they still require plenty of space.

These fish are truly gentle giants. They will rarely pick up a fight and prefer to mind their own business. Still, they love the company of their own species and other friendly fish, making them a good choice for a community tank.

Iridescent sharks are fairly easy to care for. However, as it requires a rather huge tank, it isn’t considered a beginner-friendly species.

Sadly, there’s not much of this glorious beast left in nature. In 2011, the iridescent shark was put on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Scientific Name:	Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
Size:	4 feet
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Peaceful
Tank Size:	300 gallons
Water Temperature:	72°F – 80°F
Water Hardness:	2 to 20 dGH
pH Value:	6.5 to 7.5
Suitable Tank Mates:	Oscar, bichir, silver dollar fish, black shark
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

8. Silver Apollo Shark

This is yet another tornado-shaped fish that resembles a real shark – except it rarely grows longer than 10 inches. It is silver in color, with a black stripe on its body.

While it is somewhat small compared to many other fish in this list, it still requires a fairly large tank – especially as it is rather active. This makes it unsuitable for beginners, as not many people can provide it with proper conditions. 

Not just that, but this isn’t a very hardy fish. It is very picky about its water conditions and cannot survive sudden changes in parameters. 

While this is a peaceful fish, it is rather shy. Aggressive and territorial fish can easily stress it out, even if they are much smaller. This is why you should only pair them with other friendly fish, such as bala sharks.

Unfortunately, very small fish and dwarf shrimp aren’t a good choice. Don’t even think about keeping silver Apollo sharks with your blue jelly shrimp! They make a very good snack for large omnivorous animals.

Scientific Name:	Luciosoma setigerum
Size:	10 inches
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Timid and peaceful
Tank Size:	125 gallons
Water Temperature:	72°F – 81°F
Water Hardness:	5 – 20 dGH
pH Value:	6.0 – 7.8
Suitable Tank Mates:	Large barbs, bala sharks, tin foils
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

9. Albino Shark

If you’d like to pick a fish that will truly be the center of attention, you might consider getting an albino shark.

Albino sharks aren’t a separate species. In fact, this is either a rainbow shark or a red tail shark with albinism. Albino rainbow sharks are more commonly found than albino red tails, but there are very few differences between the two.

Caring for an albino shark is the same as caring for any other Epalzeorhynchos fish. However, due to their sensitive skin, these animals are very vulnerable to improper pH levels, so make sure to keep your testing kit nearby.

Also, don’t let their cute appearance fool you. These fish are rather territorial and will fight most bottom dwellers you put in their tank. Even good swimmers that stay near the surface might not be safe from a really temperamental albino shark!

Fortunately, just like with rainbow and red tail sharks, you might be able to keep their temperament at bay if you keep them in a tank with lots of caves and plants.

Scientific Name:	Epalzeorhynchos bicolor or Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Size:	6 inches
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Semi-aggressive
Tank Size:	55 gallons
Water Temperature:	72°F – 82°F
Water Hardness:	5 – 11 dGH
pH Value:	6.5 – 7.5
Suitable Tank Mates:	Rasboras, danios, rainbowfish, gouramis
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

10. Black Sharkminnow

Black sharkminnow isn’t a rather popular fish, mainly due to its fairly large size. Still, you can keep it in larger tanks just fine – as long as you keep a few things in mind.

First off, while these fish can survive in various water temperatures, they dislike low water hardness levels. As for pH levels, they prefer neutral pH. Still, they can live in slightly acidic or alkaline waters as well, as long as the changes to parameters aren’t sudden. 

Black sharkminnows are omnivores that love to eat everything smaller than them. In fact, they seem to prefer carnivorous diet over plant-based one, but variety is the key to keeping them healthy.

Finally, these are not friendly fish. Quite the opposite. Just like a few other fish, such as kribensis cichlids, they should be kept in a species-only tank. 

Scientific Name:	Labeo chrysophekadion
Size:	35 inches
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Aggressive
Tank Size:	150 gallons
Water Temperature:	68°F – 79°F
Water Hardness:	10 – 20 dGH
pH Value:	6.5 – 7.5
Suitable Tank Mates:	None
Care Difficulty:	Difficult

11. Red-finned Cigar Shark

Also known as the golden shark, mad barb, Sultan barb, or Hoven’s carp, this is yet another freshwater fish that looks like a shark that is, actually, a barb – although it might not look the part.

While most barbs have fairly rounded bodies, cigar shark, just like its cousin Roseline torpedo shark, has an elongated body and shark-like fins. It is also one of the biggest barbs, reaching up to 40 inches in length.

As such, despite them being peaceful, make sure to keep them away from fish that can fit in their mouth.

These fish are known as mad barbs as they tend to eat poisonous seeds from chaulmoogra trees in their natural habitat. This makes them appear drunk or, rather, insane.

Keep in mind that cigar sharks are excellent jumpers. Juvenile fish will commonly jump out of their tank, especially if something startles them.

Scientific Name:	Leptobarbus rubripinna
Size:	40 inches
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Active and peaceful
Tank Size:	250 gallons
Water Temperature:	73°F – 80°F
Water Hardness:	5 – 20 dGH
pH Value:	6.0 – 7.8
Suitable Tank Mates:	Datnoids, angelfish, oscars
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

12. Flying Fox

Flying fox (also known as Siamese flying fox), is one of the freshwater aquarium sharks that aren’t as common as some other species. In fact, many beginner fishkeepers have not even heard of it. 

Just like most other Epalzeorhynchos fish, flying foxes have a bit of a temper. While they’re not as aggressive as rainbow sharks, you still need to be very careful when picking the right tank mates. They can survive as solitary animals, as well.

While these fish don’t require lots of maintenance, they do the best in slightly acidic water, which is something you need to keep in mind.

Flying foxes are often confused with Siamese algae eaters. In fact, many breeders will have the two species mixed up! However, these two fish are not the same. They are not even closely related, as flying fox is a cousin of a rainbow shark and a red tail shark.

Scientific Name:	Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
Size:	6 inches
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Semi-aggressive
Tank Size:	55 gallons
Water Temperature:	74°F – 81°F
Water Hardness:	2 – 12 dGH
pH Value:	6.5 – 7.3
Suitable Tank Mates:	Rainbowfish, rasboras, large tetras, danios
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

13. Harlequin Shark

Harlequin shark is a spotted fish that is also known as the variegated shark or harlequin sharkminnow. While colorful as younglings, their shade becomes duller as they become adults. 

These fish live mostly on a meat-based diet, and they can be a menace for smaller fish. However, they are, in fact, omnivores, and do eat algae and plant matter – especially when they are young. 

If you decide to keep this fish, make sure to know how to lower pH levels in the case of an emergency. They thrive in slightly acidic waters, so adding some driftwood or peat moss can do wonders.

Be careful when choosing suitable tank mates. While juveniles might be somewhat friendly, adults are very territorial and aggressive. They’ll gladly eat any fish that can fit into their mouth!

Scientific Name:	Labeo cyclorhynchus
Size:	12 inches
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Semi-aggressive
Tank Size:	40 gallons
Water Temperature:	70°F – 80°F
Water Hardness:	5 – 20 dGH
pH Value:	6.0 – 7.0
Suitable Tank Mates:	Minnows, danios, barbs, carps
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

14. Shark Catfishes

Shark catfishes aren’t a single species of fish. Rather, they are an entire family, one that includes the famous iridescent shark. All true shark catfishes belong to the Pangasiidae family – although there are a few more fish that carry a similar common name.

As their name suggests, all of these fish resemble both sharks and catfish due to their body and fin shape, but also the presence of barbels.

They are omnivores that thrive in warm water, although some might be able to survive in colder conditions. Most are fairly hardy and easy to care for, but some might have a few challenging needs. 

Shark catfishes are peaceful fish. However, as they are omnivores, they’ll gladly munch on smaller fish and crustaceans. Make sure to pair them with tank mates they cannot swallow!

Scientific Name:	Pangasiidae
Size:	10 ft (Pangasiidae gigas)
Diet:	Mostly omnivores
Temperament:	Mostly peaceful
Tank Size:	Up to 300 gallons
Water Temperature:	71°F – 86°F
Water Hardness:	2 to 20 dGH
pH Value:	6.5 to 7.5
Suitable Tank Mates:	Depends on the species
Care Difficulty:	Easy to moderate

15. Chinese High Fin Banded Shark

Chinese high fin banded sharks might be an odd choice for this list. Many people think these fish resemble tiger barbs or angelfish more than sharks! Still, they have a word shark in their common name, so I guess they have to be in this article.

They have many other common names, though, such as Siamese sucker, Chinese emperor, Chinese banded shark, topsail sucker, wimple carp, Hilsa herring, Asian zebra high-fin shark, and high-fin loach.

While they look much smaller, Chinese high fin banded sharks can reach a size of 4 feet! Because of this many people prefer keeping them in ponds rather than in aquariums. However, they can live in larger tanks, especially as juveniles.

This is a peaceful fish that can live in most community tanks. One important thing to keep in mind, though, is that they prefer cold water. Its tankmates need to be able to survive in such conditions.

Scientific Name:	Myxocyprinus asiaticus
Size:	4.5 feet
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Peaceful
Tank Size:	300 gallons
Water Temperature:	60°F – 75°F
Water Hardness:	40 – 20 dGH
pH Value:	6.7 – 7.8
Suitable Tank Mates:	Goldfish, loaches, koi fish
Care Difficulty:	Moderate

16. Paroon Shark

Paroon shark isn’t a fish you’ll easily find in aquariums. While many fish keepers attempt to keep them in home aquariums, these sharks can grow to be rather large. Huge, as a matter of fact!

In nature, paroon sharks can reach 8 feet in length. They are unlikely to grow that large in captivity, but they’ll still outgrow an average tank in a rather short amount of time. 

Despite this, juvenile paroon sharks are sometimes sold in pet stores. Still, I would never recommend anyone attempting to keep them, unless you have a 1000 gallon tank.

The issue arises as many young paroon sharks are sold as iridescent sharks. An unsuspecting aquarist might buy them not knowing what they’ve gotten themselves into! 

The best way to make sure you’ve got a real iridescent shark and not a paroon shark is to look for lateral lines, as a paroon shark doesn’t have any.

What makes matters worse is that this fish is considered critically endangered.

Scientific Name:	Pangasius sanitwongsei
Size:	8 feet
Diet:	Omnivore
Temperament:	Semi-aggressive
Tank Size:	1000 gallons (when adult)
Water Temperature:	76°F – 80°F
Water Hardness:	2 – 30 dGH
pH Value:	6.5 – 7.5
Suitable Tank Mates:	Anything their size or larger
Care Difficulty:	Difficult

17. Columbian Shark

Also known as the Tete sea catfish, Columbian shark is a fish that isn’t good for beginners. Quite the opposite – it’s one of the most challenging freshwater aquarium sharks when it comes to maintenance.

The reason behind this is its required living conditions. You see, while young Columbian sharks can survive in freshwater, adults require brackish water. This isn’t as easy to acquire as one might think.

Despite their appearance, Columbian sharks are rather peaceful fish. They do very well in community tanks. The tricky part is finding tank mates that live in the same environment. 

If anything, try keeping 3 of these fish in a school. This will ensure these friendly fish have enough company and entertainment. 

Scientific Name:	Ariopsis seemanni
Size:	10 inches
Diet:	Omnivores
Temperament:	Peaceful
Tank Size:	75 gallons
Water Temperature:	75°F – 80°F
Water Hardness:	10 – 12 dGH
pH Value:	7.0 – 8.0
Suitable Tank Mates:	Gobies, scats, targetfish, monos
Care Difficulty:	Difficult

Final Words

While freshwater aquarium sharks aren’t real sharks, many have the looks that can fool the most. Each and every one of the fish I’ve listed looks similar to a certain shark breed, giving them a dangerous appearance people love!

Unfortunately, not all of these fish are beginner-friendly or have the best manners possible. In fact, most require moderate care levels and at least some precautions when it comes to placing them in community tanks. 

Still, if you are able to deal with a few of their quirks, you’ll get yourself a unique pet that will make all the neighbors want to come for a visit!