Can You Keep a Red Tail Shark with Cichlids? Here’s What You Need to Know
Can You Keep a Red Tail Shark with Cichlids? Here’s What You Need to Know – Let’s be real for a second—if you’ve ever wandered down the aisle of your local fish store or scrolled through endless photos of freshwater aquariums online, there’s a good chance you’ve paused and gone “Wow, that fish looks cool” when you saw a red tail shark. Sleek, jet-black body with that unmistakable fiery red tail—it’s hard not to be impressed.
But here comes the million-dollar question: Can you keep a red tail shark with cichlids?
Short answer? It depends.
Long answer? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into everything you need to know about mixing these two popular (and sometimes feisty) freshwater fish.
We’ll talk about temperament, tank conditions, compatibility, myths, truths, and even a few cautionary tales. Whether you’re setting up your first community tank or just curious about red tail sharks and their cichlid buddies, you’re in the right place.
What Exactly is a Red Tail Shark?
Before we even talk about who they can live with, let’s understand who we’re dealing with.
The red tail shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is not actually a shark, in case the name had you imagining a freshwater version of Jaws. It’s a freshwater cyprinid, native to Thailand, and technically a type of carp. It gets the “shark” name from its torpedo-shaped body and upright dorsal fin.
These guys usually grow to about 5 to 6 inches in captivity, though some can reach up to 7 inches in the right conditions. What makes them stand out—beyond the color, obviously—is their bold personality. They’re territorial, semi-aggressive, and definitely not the shy type. They like to patrol their space, chase off intruders, and keep the tank in order (according to their own rules, of course).
They’re also bottom dwellers, meaning they spend a lot of their time near the substrate, hiding in caves or among decorations. Despite their aggression, they’re not constant troublemakers. In the right setup, they can actually be pretty peaceful—most of the time.
But put them with the wrong tank mates, and all bets are off.
What About Cichlids?
Ah, cichlids. The drama queens (and kings) of the freshwater world.
Cichlids are an incredibly diverse group, with over 1,500 known species and more being discovered regularly. You’ve got the colorful African cichlids from Lake Malawi, the slightly more subdued South American cichlids like angelfish or discus, and the real firecrackers like convict cichlids or jewel cichlids.
What they all have in common is a strong sense of territory, intelligence, and yes—aggression.
Cichlids are known to be fin-nippers, bullies, or even full-on brawlers, depending on their species and mood. But they’re also beautiful, intelligent, and fascinating to watch. So it’s no wonder people often want to include both red tail sharks and cichlids in the same tank.
But can it work?
Red Tail Shark with Cichlids: Compatible or a Recipe for Chaos?
Let’s cut to the chase: keeping a red tail shark with cichlids can work—but only if you plan carefully.
This combo is not for the faint of heart or the casual aquarist who just wants to toss a few pretty fish into a tank and call it a day. It requires thought, research, and a bit of trial and error.
The main concern here is aggression. Red tail sharks are territorial. Many cichlids are too. When two territorial fish occupy the same space, conflict is inevitable—unless the tank is large enough and properly structured to give everyone their own turf.
Some hobbyists have successfully kept red tail sharks with African cichlids, especially those from Lake Malawi. Why? Because both prefer similar water conditions—hard water, higher pH, warmer temps. African cichlids are also fast and hardy, so they can handle the occasional chase or spat.
On the flip side, red tail sharks are often too aggressive for South American cichlids like angelfish or discus. Those guys are usually more delicate, slower swimmers, and not big fans of being harassed. If your goal is a peaceful tank with elegant discus gliding through the water, a red tail shark is not your friend.
Understanding Territorial Behavior and Tank Size
If there’s one golden rule when it comes to housing a red tail shark with cichlids, it’s this: space matters.
These fish need room. Not just to swim, but to get away from each other. A cramped tank is a breeding ground for stress, aggression, and constant battles. If you’re serious about this combo, you should be looking at a minimum of 55 gallons, though ideally, 75 gallons or more.
A larger tank allows for:
- Clearly defined territories
- Better water quality
- More hiding spots and decorations
- A larger group of fish to disperse aggression
Think of it like this: if you’re stuck in a small room with someone you don’t get along with, you’re gonna butt heads constantly. But if you’re in a big house with multiple rooms and your own space, it’s easier to avoid confrontation.
Same logic applies to fish.
You’ll also want to break up lines of sight in the tank using rocks, plants, and decorations. This creates “zones” and helps reduce aggression because the fish can’t constantly see each other.
Matching the Right Personalities
You also need to consider the individual temperament of your fish.
Yes, red tail sharks are generally aggressive. But just like people, every fish has its own personality. Some red tail sharks are more chill than others. Same with cichlids—some are total jerks, others are surprisingly peaceful.
When choosing tank mates, go for cichlids that are similarly aggressive or assertive. You want a balanced tank, where no one fish is getting picked on constantly.
Species like yellow labs (Labidochromis caeruleus) or red zebras (Metriaclima estherae) are often good candidates. They’re fast, hardy, and can stand their ground.
Avoid overly aggressive or hyper-dominant species like mbuna cichlids unless you’ve got a lot of experience or a large tank with complex aquascaping.
The Importance of Hiding Spots
If you want peace, give your fish places to hide.
This isn’t just about adding decorations for looks—it’s about survival. Red tail sharks are known to claim caves or logs as their personal territory. If they have that, they feel secure. If not, they tend to lash out.
Cichlids are similar. They love caves, crevices, and anything that mimics their natural habitat. In fact, in the wild, many cichlids are rock-dwellers, using nooks and crannies for breeding and safety.
Create a layout that includes:
- Multiple caves or tunnels
- Stacked rocks (securely placed)
- Dense plant cover (real or fake)
- Driftwood or ceramic decorations
Spread these across the tank so that one area isn’t more attractive than the others. This helps prevent one fish from “owning” the entire tank.
Feeding Time Drama
Another often-overlooked issue is feeding.
Both red tail sharks and cichlids are aggressive eaters. If you’re not careful, feeding time can turn into a frenzy, with food hoarding, chasing, and stress.
Try feeding in multiple areas of the tank to reduce competition. Some aquarists even use sinking pellets on one side and floating flakes on the other to spread things out.
Also, make sure you’re feeding a varied diet. Red tail sharks are omnivores, so they’ll eat algae wafers, shrimp pellets, and veggies. Cichlids vary depending on species—some are herbivores, others are carnivores, and some are omnivores.
A balanced diet keeps them healthy and less prone to aggression. Hungry fish = angry fish.
Water Parameters: Do They Match?
Let’s talk water chemistry for a second.
Red tail sharks prefer water temperatures around 72–79°F (22–26°C), a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and moderate to hard water. They’re pretty adaptable, which is a big plus.
African cichlids, especially those from Lake Malawi, prefer a slightly higher pH (7.8–8.6) and harder water. Temperature-wise, they like it around 75–82°F (24–28°C).
This overlap makes African cichlids more compatible with red tail sharks than South American ones, which prefer softer, more acidic water.
Bottom line: Match water parameters before you match personalities. If the water isn’t right for both species, one (or both) will suffer.
Breeding and Territorial Aggression
One last thing to keep in mind—breeding changes everything.
If your cichlids decide it’s time to start a family, get ready for a whole new level of aggression. Breeding cichlids are hyper-protective, and will chase off anything that even looks at their nest funny. That includes your red tail shark.
Unless you’re deliberately trying to breed your cichlids, try to avoid keeping breeding pairs in a mixed-species tank. It can throw off the entire dynamic and turn an otherwise peaceful community into a war zone.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Risk?
So… should you keep a red tail shark with cichlids?
If you’re a beginner, maybe not just yet. There are easier combos to start with.
But if you’ve got some experience, a decently sized tank, and a passion for making it work, it’s absolutely possible—and rewarding. When done right, this combo creates a dynamic, colorful, and active tank full of personality.
Just remember: tank size, layout, compatible species, and individual temperaments are everything. Watch your fish closely, be ready to rehome if things go sideways, and don’t be afraid to adjust as needed.
In the world of aquariums, no setup is truly “set it and forget it.” It’s all about balance—and understanding the nature of your aquatic roommates.
So go ahead and give it a try—just do your homework first.
And hey, if you’re still unsure, maybe set up a second tank… just in case. Your fish (and future self) might thank you.
Related Posts:
