Author: Alexandra Rose

For most people, the word “shark” conjures up an image of a toothy, marine predator—but for the freshwater aquarist, “shark” means something different. Despite the name and their shared need for lots of swimming space, freshwater sharks are not true sharks. They’re not close genetic relatives to marine sharks, but they have a “shark-like” body shape, angular fins, a taller-than-average dorsal fin, and often a metallic coloration. We talked to Jessie Sanders, DVM, CertAqV, owner and chief veterinarian of Aquatic Veterinary Services, in Santa Cruz, California, about the best freshwater sharks for home aquariums. Some words of caution before we begin: First, even the smallest freshwater aquarium sharks require a relatively large tank. Second, many species are either too aggressive for most community tanks or can grow too large for the average aquarist to maintain. Please only consider purchasing these animals after doing plenty of research and being certain you can provide them with an appropriate habitat.

Jump to section What Is Swim Bladder Disease in Fish? What Causes Swim Bladder Disease in Fish? What Are the Symptoms of Swim Bladder Disease? How Do Vets Diagnose Swim Bladder Disease in Fish? How Do Vets Treat Swim Bladder Disease in Fish? How Can I Prevent Swim Bladder Disease in My Fish?

Jump to section Why Is My Fish Tank Water Cloudy? Why Is the Water Cloudy in a New Fish Tank? Why Is My Fish Tank Cloudy After a Water Change? Will Cloudy Water Hurt My Fish? How To Prevent Cloudy Water in a Fish Tank

Sharks: Is there anything cooler in the ocean? From the tiny Dwarf Lantern Shark that is about the length of a pencil to the gigantic Whale Shark the size of a bus, sharks represent a fascinating and unbelievably diverse group of marine animals. It is no surprise that some aquarists want to take their appreciation of sharks to the next level by showcasing them in a home saltwater aquarium—but that requires plenty of planning, knowledge and a strong commitment to animal care. Even smaller sharks require a serious amount of space, and all need pristine water conditions, so it’s important to realize that keeping a shark is a major responsibility. Sharks are not a suitable animal for the average hobbyist; only advanced aquarists need apply. That said, let’s take a look at five types of sharks conducive to aquarium life and what they need to thrive.

While there are over 70 members of the genus Betta, the most popular species in the aquarium hobby—and the one often referred to simply as the betta—is Betta splendens. Betta fish are endemic to Thailand, formerly Siam, which is why this species was once known as the Siamese fighting fish. The nickname also reflects the species’ natural territorial and aggressive attitude toward male betta fish. Wild Betta splendens are unremarkable in appearance but may exhibit strong coloration when agitated. Ornamental betta fish, on the other hand, have been selectively bred for brilliant colors and a variety of fin shapes. They’re some of the most vibrant freshwater fish in the aquarium trade. How big can betta fish get? Betta fish generally only grow to a length between 2.5 and 3 inches, though long-finned varieties may appear to be bigger. How long do betta fish live? Both wild and captive-bred betta fish live for an average of 3–5 years.,Jump to section Betta Fish Overview What Do Betta Fish Need? Aquarium Setup for Betta Fish Betta Fish Tank Maintenance What Do Betta Fish Eat? Betta Fish Health Betta Fish Tank Mates FAQs About Betta Fish Care