Red-Tailed Black Shark

Red-Tailed Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)

The Red-Tailed Black Shark is a unique freshwater fish that adds a touch of drama to any aquarium. Its body is primarily black, which contrasts beautifully with its vibrant red tail. The Red-Tailed Black Shark's elongated body and upright dorsal fin give it a shark-like appearance, while its forked caudal fin contributes to its streamlined look. This striking combination of colors and features makes the Red-Tailed Black Shark a visually captivating addition to any aquarium.

Red-Tailed Black Sharks are known for their active, semi-aggressive personality and grow up to 6 inches in size. They are not schooling fish and prefer to be the only one of their kind in a tank. They are territorial and may show aggression towards similar species, so it's best kept with different types of peaceful to semi-aggressive fish. Additionally, Red-Tailed Black Sharks are known to nip the long-flowing fins of other fish.

It's a good idea to avoid other fish that like to stay at the bottom of the tank, like cichlids and most catfish, because the Red-Tailed Black Shark pick on them. For the upper levels of the tank, pick strong, active fish that like to swim in groups. The Red-Tailed Black Shark should be the last fish you put in the tank to stop it from trying to take over the aquarium.

The Red-Tailed Black Shark is an algae grazer that consumes small crustaceans, insect larvae, and other aufwuchs. To maintain optimal health and vibrant colors, it should be fed a varied diet that includes small live and frozen foods like bloodworm, Daphnia, and Brine Shrimp, as well as high-quality dried flakes, granules, sinking algae pellets, and fresh plant matter. Foods like shelled peas, cucumber, blanched zucchini, spinach, and chopped fruit are excellent additions to their diet. Once comfortable, the Red-Tailed Black Shark will often rise to midwater levels to feed and graze on biofilm that forms on rocks and other hard surfaces.

Red-Tailed Black Sharks flourish in environments that mimic a flowing river, with a substrate composed of rocks of varying sizes, sand or gravel substrate, and larger water-worn boulders. The addition of driftwood roots, branches, and aquatic plants like Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias, which can grow attached to the decor, further enhances their habitat while providing them with plenty of hiding spots. Bright lighting encourages the growth of algae and microorganisms, providing additional grazing opportunities for the fish.

Like many species inhabiting flowing waters, the Red-Tailed Black Shark is intolerant of organic waste accumulation. They thrive in conditions with high levels of dissolved oxygen and moderate water movement. Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters are essential to keep these fish healthy.

A minimum tank size of 55 gallons is recommended due to their territorial nature. Care for Red-Tailed Black Sharks is intermediate. They require clean water with a pH of 6.5-7.5, hardness of 10-15 dGH, and a temperature of 72-79°F (22-26°C).