Can Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) and Pacific Sturgeon Live Together?

Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Pacific Sturgeon is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) may occasionally assert dominance over Pacific Sturgeon.

In terms of spatial distribution, Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) zones, whereas Pacific Sturgeon occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

There is no temperature overlap between Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) (23–28°C) and Pacific Sturgeon (10–22°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) and Pacific Sturgeon together, plan for an aquarium of at least 20000 litres with a minimum length of 600 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) and Pacific Sturgeon are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.