Sharks are becoming a popular feature in home aquariums, but there’s a clear distinction between freshwater and saltwater species. Freshwater sharks aren’t “true” sharks; they are small fish with shark-like features, such as a pointed nose and streamlined body. Saltwater species are real sharks, and you can keep some species at home, but they are only for expert-level fish keepers. If you want to know what type is best for your abilities and setup, dive into this list of the six best freshwater and saltwater sharks for home aquariums.
1. Bala Sharks Thrive with Other Semi-Aggressive Fish
Size: Up to 13 inches
Tank Size: 125 gallons per fish
Lifespan: 10 years
Water Type: Fresh
Aggression Level: Low
Care Level: Easy to intermediate
The first entry on our list is the Bala Shark. This freshwater fish isn’t the same as sharks you may encounter in the wild. It is part of the Cyprinid family, which includes minnows and carp. Balas are striking creatures with silver bodies and black tips and are one of the largest freshwater sharks.
Bala sharks need a large tank because they like to school, and you must keep a small group of at least three. They are hardy omnivores and thrive on a varied diet of dried and live food. Balas are generally peaceful, but you must keep them with similar-sized semi-aggressive fish such as Cichlids, Catfish, and Loaches. They may prey on smaller fish, so keep Balas with larger ones that can stand their ground.
2. Bamboo Sharks Suit Experienced Aquarists
Size: 40 inches
Tank Size: 300 gallons
Lifespan: 20 – 25 years
Water Type: Salt
Aggression level: High
Care Level: Expert
The Bamboo Shark is a type of carpet shark and the first true species on our list. They are striking creatures, with grey bodies and black stripes or cream bodies with brown stripes and distinctive facial whiskers. Bamboo Sharks usually hide during the day and are most active at night. They are mid to bottom-dwellers and need lots of soft, sandy substrate and clear floor space to prevent injuries.
You should keep Bamboo Sharks in fish-only aquariums. In the wild, a shark’s diet consists of sea creatures, and they will eat crustaceans and tank cleaners. These creatures are carnivorous and need a diet of fish and invertebrates. The best tank mates for bamboo sharks are large, confident fish such as large Angelfish, Lionfish, Grouper, or Rabbitfish. Don’t keep them with nippy fish that will provoke it or smaller fish it will eat.
3. Epaulette Sharks Need Ample Space
Size: 30 inches
Tank Size: 350 gallons per shark
Lifespan: 20 – 25 years
Water Type: Salt
Aggression Level: Low
Care Level: Expert
The Epaulette is the next saltwater shark on our list. They are nocturnal bottom dwellers with a striking, spotted appearance and spend most of their time at the bottom of a tank. Epaulettes are famous for “walking” on the floor with their fins and need lots of bare areas and soft substrate. It’s not only possible to have a pet shark, but the Epaulette is suitable for beginners.
Like most saltwater sharks, the Epaulette is carnivorous and needs a diet of fish and invertebrates. It’s better to feed saltwater sharks individually with a feeding pole to ensure they eat enough. Epaulettes can be territorial and aggressive, so keep them with docile mid-dwellers, such as Damsels and Anthias, and avoid nippy fish that will provoke it.
4. Rainbow Sharks Are Both Hardy and Adaptable
Size: 6 – 7 inches
Tank Size: 50 – 75 gallons per fish
Lifespan: 4 – 8 years
Water Type: Fresh
Aggression Level: High
Care Level: Intermediate
The Rainbow Shark is a freshwater fish with a black body and bright red fins. There is also a golden and albino variation of the breed. Rainbow Sharks are hardy, adaptable creatures and are a fantastic centerpiece for any freshwater aquarium. These mini sharks are omnivores and thrive on pellets, wafers, algae, and veggie treats.
Rainbow Shark youngsters are peaceful but become more aggressive as they mature, so you must carefully select their tank mates. You should keep them with similar-sized, semi-aggressive fish such as Loaches, Cichlids, and Rainbow Fish.
5. Roseline Sharks Thrive in Small Aquariums
Size: 4 – 5 inches
Tank Size: 55 gallons
Lifespan: Up to 5 years
Water Type: Fresh
Aggression Level: Low
The Roseline Shark, also known as the Denison or Red-Lined Torpedo Barb, is a unique fish to add to your tank. It has a silver body, a long, black stripe down its sides, black-tipped fins, and a distinctive red stripe. Roseline sharks are readily available, hardy, and easy to keep, making them one of the best sharks for first-time aquarium owners. They are also perfect for small aquariums.
Roseline Sharks are active and fascinating to watch. They are a schooling species, so you need three to five of them. Roseline Sharks are omnivores, so they enjoy a varied diet. They are generally peaceful fish, and you should keep them with fish of a similar size, such as Rainbow Fish, Plecos, Cory Catfish, and large Tetras.
6. Speckled Carpet Sharks Need Strong Filters
Size: 30 inches
Tank Size: 300 gallons
Lifespan: 20 years
Water Type: Salt
Aggression: High
Care Level: Expert
The Speckled Carpet Shark is the final entry on our list of home aquarium sharks. They are distinctive, speckled creatures with two large, dark saddle spots. Saltwater sharks, like the Speckled Carpet Shark, are messy eaters and need a robust filtration system and a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule. They prefer feeding at dusk and dawn and need bite-sized portions of squid and raw shrimp because they’re not good at shredding large pieces.
Speckled Carpet Sharks are mid-dwellers and need lots of space and pristine water conditions. While they are not the most dangerous shark in the world, they are aggressive with other fish and will eat small fish and invertebrates. The best tankmates for the Speckled Carpet Shark are large, docile fish such as Groupers. You mustn’t keep them with provocative, nippy fish.
