Fish
Albino Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Origin: The albino rainbow shark is an albino colour form of the rainbow shark, developed in the aquarium hobby. The parent species comes from the rivers of Southeast Asia — Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
Also known as: Albino ruby shark, Epalzeorhynchos frenatum 'Albino'
Fact sheet
- Size
- 15 cm
- Lifespan
- 8 years
- Minimum tank size
- 200 L
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 5–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
The albino rainbow shark is a popular albino form of the rainbow shark with a white-pink body and bright red-orange fins. In behaviour and care it is identical to the rainbow shark: a territorial bottom fish kept singly in a spacious tank with cover. The contrast of the pale body and orange fins makes the albino especially showy. As in the parent form, territoriality increases with age.
Appearance
The body is elongated with a high back and a pointed snout, 12–15 cm long. Colour is white-pink or cream (lacking dark pigment), with reddish eyes; all fins are bright red-orange. The underslung barbelled mouth is adapted for rasping growth. Sexual dimorphism is weak.
Care
A tank of at least 200 L with sandy substrate, cover, and a tight lid as the fish jumps. Temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, hardness GH 5–15. Good filtration, clean water, and open space near the bottom are needed. Requirements are identical to the rainbow shark.
Feeding
An omnivorous bottom fish. It takes sinking pellets and tablets, flakes, live or frozen food, vegetable matter, and biofilm. Feed once or twice daily.
Compatibility
Territorial toward its own kind and similar bottom fish, including the standard rainbow shark. Keep singly. Companions are active mid- and upper-level fish. Avoid bottom competitors.
Breeding
It very rarely breeds in a home aquarium. Commercial farms breed it with hormonal induction, like the standard form. Albinism is inherited recessively.
Fun facts
The albino rainbow shark is not a separate species but an albino form of the same species as the rainbow shark. The reddish eyes and absence of dark pigment are signs of albinism. It is no less territorial than the parent form.