Can a Chinese Highfin banded shark live well with fancy goldfish?

Question

The name 'shark' has dangerous connotations to it, but it's really a docile fish that dwells at the bottom of 4 of my tanks. I see it cleaning my goldfish though and I'm wondering if that is safe for my goldfish.

Answer 1

I know exactly the species you are talking about, and this fish will eventually need to go into a pond.  This fish reaches about the same sizes as Red Tailed Catfish, like 3.5 to 4 feet.  Safe with Goldfish, you bet, in fact would do well in a goldfish tank because this is also a coldwater fish.  BUT this is one of the true tank busting fish.  They grow slow, so you have time, but please keep in mind, this fish at some point is going to have to go into a pond, unless you want to get like a 700 gallon tank, just for that fish.

I'd also like to note, this is worth your while to listen, when smaller and young, the Chinese hi fin has a nice smooth creamy brown color look to it.  When this fish becomes an adult, it's not going to have that same look.  The look of the full grown adults is what I'd say, less then appealing.

If it's rare they reach 3 feet, it's simply due to negligent care on the fish keepers part.  Put them in the appropriate pond from the get go, and yes, you'll see them reach over 3 feet easily.

Answer 2

both fish need large aquariums, highfin sharks could get 2ft-3ft but rarely 3ft. although they only grow one to two inches per year. it might be eating the slime coat but im not sure