Saltwater Aquarist

Red-tailed Black Shark

(Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)

Red-tailed Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) in a freshwater aquarium

Species Description…

Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Common Name: Red-tailed Black Shark
Species Group: Cyprinid
Tank Type:
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet Type: Omnivore
Role in Aquarium: Bottom Dweller
Max Fish Length: 5 (inches)
Min Aquarium Size: 44 (gallons)
Native Range: Central and western Thailand (lower Mae Klong, Chao Phraya and Bangpakong rivers).
Min Temperature: 68°F
Max Temperature: 79°F
Min pH: 6
Max pH: 8
Min GH: 2 dGH
Max GH: 15 dGH
Min Group Size:
Breeding: Difficult
Lifespan: years

Overview

  • The Red-tailed Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is a velvet-black cyprinid with a bright red tail.
  • Native to central and western Thailand. It is critically rare in the wild. [UNVERIFIED]
  • Grows to about 5 in (12.5 cm) standard length.
  • Fish in the trade are farmed.

Feeding

  • Grazes algae, small crustaceans and insect larvae.
  • Offer quality dried foods plus regular small live and frozen foods.

Habitat

  • A tank with a base of 48 × 18 in (120 × 45 cm).
  • Plenty of cover. A river-style setup suits it.
  • Water: 68–79°F (20–26°C), pH 6.0–8.0, GH 2–15.

Fish Care

  • Usually won’t harm plants.

Compatibility

  • Not ideal for general community tanks.
  • Very aggressive toward similar-looking fish, including rainbow sharks.
  • Keep one per tank. [UNVERIFIED]

Aquarium Behavior

  • Juveniles hide a lot, but adults become territorial.

Breeding

  • Not bred in home aquariums. Farmed using hormones.