Can rainbow sharks live with severums?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Rainbow sharks and severums make a good pair. Both are fine at 74–80°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Rainbow sharkRainbow shark72–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5 SeverumSeverum74–84°F · pH 6–7

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 74–80°Rainbow shark 72–80°Severum 74–84°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7Rainbow shark 6.5–7.5Severum 6–7
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Rainbow shark · 6 inSeverum · 8 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"7"8"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Rainbow sharkSeverum
Temperature72–80 °F74–84 °F
pH6.5–7.56–7
Adult size6.0 in8.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal55 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressiveSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupOne per tankAlone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for rainbow sharks

All rainbow shark tank mates

Better tank mates for severums

All severum tank mates

Questions

Can rainbow sharks live with severums?

Yes. Rainbow sharks and severums make a good pair. Both are fine at 74–80°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both rainbow sharks and severums?

74–80 °F. Rainbow sharks need 72–80 °F, severums need 74–84 °F.

What size tank do rainbow sharks and severums need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the rainbow shark. Add space for each extra fish.