Rainbow sharks are freshwater shark that are normally kept in an aquarium for beauty and fun too. Discus are also fine freshwater fish that are kept in the aquarium too, they are kind of shy fish and doesn’t become very active in a community tank. So if you are a lover of these two fish and you are thinking of getting them to stay together in a tank, then this article is for you. You will learn their different water conditions and temperament and also if it’s possible for them to live together.
Can Rainbow sharks be kept with Discus fish? No, It’s not advisable to keep Rainbow sharks with Discus because the Sharks will stress the Discus to death.
I know it did be very cool and awesome seeing these two animals in the same tank playing about and eating anything they are thrown at.
Well, am sorry, it won’t work that way.
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So let’s compare and see why it won’t work.
Rainbow Shark Water Conditions and Temperament
They thrive in a freshwater with low current and substrates, plants.
So consider getting them a low powered filter.
They live in a temperature of 75-80°F with a pH of 6-8.
Their water hardiness is 5-8dh, and they could get really big to occupy a 30 gallon or more per fish, depending on the size.
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They’re semi aggressive and are voracious eaters and at the same time omnivores too.
They love chasing other fish and even their own specie too.
Discus Fish Water Conditions and Temperament
Discus are shy and non aggressive freshwater fish.
Discus prefer a water temperature of 82-86°F. They can still be okay in a 90°F water temperature.
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They thrive in a soft and acidic water with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
There ideal water hardiness is 1-4kdh
Can Rainbow Shark Live With Discus Fish?
Seeing the water conditions and temperament of the two fish, do you think both can coexist peacefully in the same tank?
No, They might survive in the same water condition, but their temperaments is different and so they can’t live together.
Discus being peaceful and easily prone to stress is very likely to be stressed to death by the rainbow shark.
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Rainbow shark on it’s own is semi aggressive and troublesome.
This means that if both of them are kept together, the Shark will definitely stress the Discus by chasing it all around the tank and by nipping at it.
Again Discus being shy will normally be intimidated by the shark and will always hide, thereby starving itself to death.
Even if they eat almost the same type of food, there is every chance the Discus might not get any because they are always hiding and again the shark will get all the foods.
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No matter how you see is, they can’t coexist in a tank, or the Discus will be at a great disadvantage.
Conclusion
The only way they can live in a tank is to get a very big tank, and divide it into two, allowing the Discus to stay on their own part and the Rainbow sharks on their too.
So take your own advice and do what you feel is right for your pets.
