Can red tail sharks live with odessa barbs?
Verdict
Yes
Yes. Red tail sharks and odessa barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.
Why it works
- Both are fine at 72–79°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: red tail sharks the bottom, odessa barbs the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Red tail shark | Odessa barb | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79 °F | 70–79 °F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 6–7.5 |
| Adult size | 5.0 in | 3.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gal | 30 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Bottom | Middle |
| Group | One per tank | Groups of 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for red tail sharks
Better tank mates for odessa barbs
Questions
Can red tail sharks live with odessa barbs?
Yes. Red tail sharks and odessa barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.
What temperature suits both red tail sharks and odessa barbs?
72–79 °F. Red tail sharks need 72–79 °F, odessa barbs need 70–79 °F.
What size tank do red tail sharks and odessa barbs need together?
At least 55 gal, set by the red tail shark. Add space for each extra fish.












