In its natural habitat, the Ruby Shark inhabits flowing waters, where it grazes on algae and other food sources found on rocks and solid surfaces. During the rainy season, it spreads into floodplain areas as they become accessible.
Ruby Sharks are known for their territorial nature, and in smaller aquariums, it’s best to keep them as single specimens without any similar species to avoid conflicts. However, they thrive in larger tanks when kept in boisterous groups, similar to the way some lively barbs are housed. A well-decorated aquarium with rocky caves, bogwood, and plenty of live plants provides the hiding places they need to feel secure. This bottom-dwelling species pairs well with active fish such as barbs, danios, rainbowfish, and tetras that swim in the upper levels of the tank. Despite their name, Ruby Sharks are not predatory and generally leave smaller tankmates alone. An albino variation of this species is often available in the aquarium trade, and they may also be sold as Rainbow Sharks despite their reddish-gray coloration.
Feeding
Ruby Sharks are not picky eaters and will accept a variety of foods. Their diet can include sinking catfish pellets, flakes (including green flake), algae wafers, and fresh algae growing in the tank. They also enjoy vegetable matter and frozen foods like mosquito larvae, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
Breeding
Although Ruby Sharks are egg layers, breeding them in home aquariums is uncommon, likely due to their territorial behavior in confined spaces. Detailed accounts of their spawning behavior remain limited for this reason.