red tail shark

Question
QUESTION:  I was reading your answer to someone's question about the red tailed shark and you said that red tailed sharks should be kept alone without exception. I have a well established 29 gal. tank with 7 tiger barbs and a recently purchased red tail shark. I think the tiger barbs are quite aggressive and are holding their own with the red tail. As a matter of fact I'm worried about the shark getting enough to eat as the tiger barbs are such quick
opportunistic feeders that eat everything. What problems do you see in the future with these two types of fish together.

ANSWER: Tiger barbs are fish nippers, nasty little fish, but when kept in groups will constantly chase each other.  The Red Tail Shark is aggressive, and territorial.  They may get along, and then they may not.  You will have to watch them, and make sure the red tail shark has many hiding places, and enough to eat.  It may work out, I cannot guarantee it, you will have to watch them carefully.   As the red tail shark gets older, he becomes intolerant towards most tank mates.  Some are more tolerant than others, but it is always a chance to take.  He is a loner, and prefers living alone.  His tank should be at least 3 feet long.  I hope they do get along, and that you won't encounter any problems in the future.  This a chance you will take, and hopefully things will turn out right.
Lynda

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QUESTION: Lynda, thanks for your reply. Any suggestions on how to feed the red tail so the tiger barbs don't eat all the food, which is currently the case? He has only been in the tank a few days so I'm guessing he will eventually be more aggressive at feeding time.

ANSWER: Hi David,
This is a problem with tiger barbs, they are quick, and gobble up everything in sight!  Try feeding the red tail shark when the lights are off.  When small they shy away in light.  Sinking shrimp pellets, other sinking pellets, and veggie wafers should help him get some food into him.  Red tail sharks swim from the middle to the bottom of the tank, and are especially active at night.  He must eat, or he will starve to death.  He is not a fussy eater, and will eat anything, but tiger barbs are so quick to grab the food, that little if anything is left for other fish.  If you see that your shark is getting thin, you will have to do something about it.  Either take him back for a credit, or keep him alone.  If he was bigger, he would most likely catch a few pellets, or flakes, but as mentioned, those tiger barbs are experts at getting to the food first.  When small the red tail shark is shy, but as he gets bigger, he will not accept being pushed away from food, and this is where the trouble will start.  He will make many territories in the tank, and will guard them, but only when he gets bigger.  He also takes time to feel at home in a tank when first put into a tank.  It is hard to believe that they will eventually become territorial, and intolerant.  At first they are very timid.
He is known to stress a tank, by his appearance to other fish, and his personality which is intolerant.  I would be curious to know what will happen, so please keep me posted.  Sometimes, you may buy one that is less aggressive, but this is very very rare.  In my experience in keeping fish, I have yet to see a red tail shark get along in a community tank once they are older.  I have one now, and had to buy a tank for him.  They are gorgeous fish, love them, but never could I keep one in a community tank, even with bigger fish such as Severums.  When I mention that they can stress a tank, believe me they can, and when other fish are stressed, they get sick, bringing disease.  I wish you luck, and hope that this will not be the case.
Lynda

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QUESTION: Thanks again Lynda. My shark is not at all shy or timid. He is about 2 inches long from nose to tail. I bought the biggest one they had. He does
come out when the lights are on, always grazing on the gravel, decorations and glass.His color is great and he has already staked out a cave for himself. The barbs have learned quite quickly to leave him alone.
I guess the problem with feeding during the day is he doesn't seem interested. I do drop a sinking wafer in at night and I know the barbs are getting most of it. He seems content grazing on the algae.Like you said, he will probably get bolder with time and be interested in feeding with the barbs. I will keep a close eye on any serious aggression issues.
Dave

Answer
Hi Again,
This is good that he is not shy, and well acclimated.  Maybe drop a little more in at night.  Things seem to be going well so far.  If he is not shy, and timid, he will get his food.  He will be the boss in the tank...no worries..at least, not yet...lol  You know, barbs may turn around also, and start to nip him, so continue watching them closely making sure that no fish has split tails or fins.  In the end, this may be a happy mix!
Lynda