SAE and RT Shark?

[Saxman]

I have a Red Tail Shark that I am very fond of. He roams the tank and acts threatening to the little guys, but never harms anyone. He just sort of acts like the King. Do you think he can coexist with one or two SAE's in a 75g?

[unirdna]

I have a lot of RT experience. From my 20+ years of observation, I can tell you that RT's are most likely to pick on fish that have a similar shape to itself (long; tubular), and they are the most relentless toward other minnow (cyprinid) species.

I own both of the fish in question, but have never kept them in the same tank. I have little doubt that your RT would give chase to SAE's. What I can't say is whether or not he would stress them out enough to cause death. SAE's are a faster fish that RT's, so in a 75g, they would have the space to outrun your 'shark'. The question is, will they be left alone for long enough spaces of time to eat in peace.

Conclusion: If you had a small tank, I would not recommend adding a SAE. But as you have a 75 gal, and assuming it's well planted with lots of hiding places, I think you could pull this off. I would recommend buying 3 or more, since they are a gregarious fish, and this would also help to spread out the 'beatings' .

[George Willms]

I have 2 SAE's in a 45 gallon with a RT and have not had any problems with him being more agressive towards the SAE's than towards any other fish.

[Kris]

my rt is really agressive when other fish enter his "territory". he's in a 30 gallon and is getting more so as he gets older.
the guy at my lfs agrees with unirda...more tank space less trouble...

[GDominy]

I have 2 SAE's in a tank with my RTBS but they will all be moving into my 135 shortly.. I ahven't had any "problems" but he does take a nip at them every now and then.

I'm moving them out to lighten the bioload in my 45 gallon.... Its still WAAAAAAY over stocked.. but its also planted (and overfiltered) so heavily I cant keep enough nitrate in the tank.. lol

[Saxman]

Thanks for the responses. My tank is not heavily planted, but I do have plenty of hiding places - among the plants and some rocky areas. Maybe I will try getting 3 at once. The RT I have seems to enjoy chasing everyone at feeding time, but then doesn't bother the rest of the day. Also, he is not that large yet - maybe 3".

[newkidvoodoo]

i have a rainbow shark that relentlessly harasses my flying fox. these aren't the same kind of fish as yours, but they are similar. i'm considering getting rid of the flying fox for this reason.