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I'm looking to buy a RTBS, but the only LFS that carries them gets them shipped mixed in with their Rainbow Sharks. I do want an RTBS, if just for the pure black the males display. Is there any difference between the two (to tell them apart)? And if I get a black colored rainbow, will the color fade as he gets bigger?

I've never kept sharks before, figure this'll be good expirence.

Last edited by Sandy02 at 28-Feb-2005 12:38

Sandy02

I think I am getting your concern corectly. It is not advisable to keep RTBS and Rainbows in the same tank, There can be exceptions but you will need a large very heaverly planted tank.

As far a colour incomparison to the younger RTBS the older ones black is not exactly the same. It is only because I have several young ones in my tank that I can compare, but the change is minimual.

When I rescued my large RTBS he was grey, torn fins and extremly timid. It took several months for him to settle down and revert to a good black colour.
Again it is not recommended to keep more than one RTBS in the same tank. I can do it because the way my tank is set up. 5Ft and very heaverly planted with many caves and private areas.

Keith

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I am not wanting to keep two of either of these sharks, nor do I want to keep one of each. I want to know how to tell the difference, so when I go to my LFS I do not end up with a Rainbow, because those are shipped together.

My questions are:
- How do you tell the difference between the two?
- If I end up with a black colored rainbow (are there such things? because the guy at the LFS swore the only black-shaded shark left was a rainbow) will his (the dark-colored Rainbow's) color fade as he gets bigger?

Rainbow (sometimes called Ruby) have all fins red whereas Red Tail Black Sharkls just have the tail black

Ah! Thats true! I hadn't realized that before ^_^*

Thank you ^_^

The rainbow's color most likely won't fade too much, but there is a possibility that it could fade slightly... (in answer to your other question)

PM/email/msg me if you have any questions/comments regarding me or my knowledge or if you want me to read a thread.