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Rainbow shark

Freshwater Intermediate Semi-aggressive

Rainbow shark grows to about 5.9 in and needs a tank of at least 53 US gal. Here's how to keep it healthy and what it lives well with.

Quick facts

Water type
Freshwater
Group
Barbs & danios
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Swims
Bottom
Adult size
5.9 in
Minimum tank
53 US gal
Min swim length
47.2 in
Group size
Fine on its own

Water parameters

Temperature
72–81 °F
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
5–12 dGH

Tank & care

Rainbow shark doesn't need a group and can be kept singly; choose tankmates to suit its temperament.

Give it at least 47.2 in of swimming length and hold the water around 72–81 °F. Match any new species to these ranges before adding them.

Plan a tank with this fish

Use the stocking calculator to see how many Rainbow shark your tank can hold and whether your planned tankmates are compatible — it's anchored to your net water volume and footprint.

Open the stocking calculator Calculate tank volume

Figures are conservative hobby-consensus estimates for planning. Individual fish vary — always research a species and watch how yours behave.

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