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We bought two rainbow sharks at the lfs about 3-4 months ago. We have a 55. It's tankmates include 1 raphael catfish, 1 clown pl*c, cories, 3 swordtails, 3 female bettas, 7 hatchetfish(silver and marble mix), 2 dwarf frogs, and a few smaller snails...the catfish's treat. At first the sharks were great together always laying together. Then one got bigger then the other and the LITTLE one chased the big one. It happened rarely and always stopped when the big one dove into the plants. Then one night we noticed them twisting together mid tank in the back. They continued this for the entire night pausing for a few moments. There was no nipping involved as their mouths were always facing away from each other. Ever since then the big one is constantly chasing the little one. The only time we see the small one(2 1/2 inches) is when the big one (3 3/4 inches) is chasing it. The LFS told us our tank was big enough, their are lots of hiding places. What can we do?

Welcome to FP!

As you have noticed, rainbow sharks are VERY agressive. Basically, the only thing you can do is either move one of the sharks to another tank, or take one back to the LFS. The will keep fighting each other, and there is a chance one could get sick and/or die.

HTH

I agree, I had to get rid of my rainbow shark because he was trying for 2 days straight to kill my dwarf gouramis, and was starting to show aggression to other fish as well. They are completely intolerant of any fish in their space, and even more so of their own kind. I would remove one. Also, It would not be advisable to add a RTBS, or Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchus Kallopterus), as these are closely related species and would for sure be intolerant of each other.


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Thanks! It's awful getting rid of a fish. I worry about the smaller one though, (he's not aggresive at all anymore) he hasn't grown at all. I hope all is well! Thanks again!