Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

Red-tailed Black Shark

Image of Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Actinopterygii
Family:Cyprinidae
Genus:Epalzeorhynchos
Species:bicolor
IUCN Status:Critically Endangered

Quick Stats

Difficulty
Medium
Environment
Freshwater
Temperature
22°C - 26°C
pH Level
6.5 - 8
Water Hardness
36 - 179 ppm
Lifespan
8 years
Origin
Asia
Adult Size
12 - 15 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Creature Type
Fish
TDS
250 ppm
Water Flow
Medium Flow

About This Species

The Red-tailed Black Shark is not a true shark, but a striking member of the minnow family. Its name comes from its shark-like body shape, deep black color, and a stunningly vibrant red tail. This contrast makes it a very popular fish in the aquarium hobby. It's an active creature, constantly exploring the middle and bottom levels of the tank, which is always entertaining to watch. However, its beauty comes with a bold personality. This fish is known for being territorial, especially towards its own kind and other fish that look similar. Because of this, it's best to keep only one Red-tailed Shark in your aquarium to prevent constant fighting. It is an omnivore and not a picky eater, readily accepting a wide variety of commercial fish foods, from flakes and pellets to frozen treats and vegetables. An interesting fact is that this species is critically endangered in its natural habitat in Asia. The fish you see in stores are all bred in captivity on large-scale fish farms. This ensures its survival in the hobby without impacting wild populations. Due to its size and active nature, a spacious tank is necessary to keep it happy and healthy.

Aquarium Building Information

Minimum Tank Size

150L

Swimming Zone

middle, bottom

Special Requirements

Oxygen Consumption

Medium

Waste Production

Medium

Feeding Frequency

Daily

Metabolism Rate

Medium

Activity Level

Active

Food Types

Flakes, Pellets, Sinking Pellets, Wafers, Frozen Food, Live Food, Vegetables, Algae


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