Fish
Red-tailed Black Shark
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Origin: The red-tailed black shark is endemic to Thailand, where it lived in rivers and streams of the Chao Phraya basin. In the wild the species is critically endangered, but it is mass-bred in aquaculture for the hobby.
Also known as: Redtail shark, Red-tail sharkminnow, Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
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 red-tailed black shark is one of the most striking bottom fish: a velvety black body contrasts with a bright red tail. Its shark-like silhouette and contrasting colour have made it very popular. However, it is a territorial and rather aggressive fish, kept strictly singly in a spacious tank with cover. It clashes with its own kind and similar bottom fish. With proper care it is active and hardy. It suits aquarists ready to account for its temperament.
Appearance
The body is elongated with a high back and a pointed barbelled snout, 12–15 cm long. The body and all fins except the tail are velvety black; the tail fin is bright red or orange-red. The underslung mouth is adapted for rasping growth. Sexual dimorphism is weak.
Care
A tank of at least 200 L with sandy substrate, driftwood, rocks, and plenty of cover, plus a tight lid as the fish jumps. Temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, hardness GH 5–15. Good filtration and breaking up the territory with cover are needed.
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 and aggressive, especially toward its own kind and similar bottom fish. Keep strictly singly. Companions are fast mid- and upper-level fish (barbs, rainbowfish, danios). Do not add small or slow bottom fish.
Breeding
It essentially does not breed in a home aquarium because of its aggression. In aquaculture it is bred with hormonal induction. This keeps the species going despite its near-extinction in the wild.
Fun facts
In the wild the red-tailed black shark is considered endangered, yet it is widespread in aquariums thanks to breeding. The red tail on a black body is the species' hallmark. It is more aggressive than the related rainbow shark.