Red Tail Black Shark

Red Tail Black Shark

The Redtail Shark, also known as the Redtail Black Shark is great for the semi-aggressive community aquarium, as long as they are the sole sharks and the other tankmates are of similar size. The Redtail Shark is a beautiful fish with a jet black body and a bright red tail. The dorsal fin is marked with a white tip.

It requires a large aquarium with driftwood, rocks, and spots of dense vegetation. This shark may set up territories around the aquarium.

An omnivore, the Redtail Shark is not a particularly finicky eater. Flake food, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, as well as vegetable-based foods should be fed.

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

• Common Names: Red-tailed Black Shark, Redtail Shark, Fire Tail Shark

• Family: Cyprinidae

• Origin: Endemic to Thailand, particularly the Chao Phraya River basin

• Conservation Status: Critically Endangered in the wild; however, they are widely available in the aquarium trade due to captive breeding efforts

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Typically grows up to 6 inches (15 cm); some individuals may reach up to 8 inches (20 cm)

• Lifespan: Averages between 5 to 8 years with proper care

• Appearance: Features a sleek, torpedo-shaped black body with a bright red caudal (tail) fin. The dorsal fin is prominent and triangular.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Red-tailed Black Sharks inhabit clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with rocky substrates and dense vegetation. They are bottom dwellers, often found patrolling their territories and seeking shelter among rocks and submerged roots. Due to habitat loss and environmental changes, their wild populations have drastically declined

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum of 55 gallons (208 liters) to accommodate their active swimming behavior and territorial nature

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72°F–79°F (22°C–26°C)

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • Hardness: 10–15 dGH

• Tank Setup: Provide ample hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and caves. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is ideal. Ensure good water filtration and moderate water flow to mimic their natural habitat

Diet

Red-tailed Black Sharks are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet

• Staple Foods: High-quality sinking pellets or flakes

• Protein Sources: Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia

• Vegetable Matter: Blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach) and algae wafers

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive and highly territorial, especially towards similar-looking species

• Tank Mates: Best kept with robust, fast-swimming fish that occupy different tank levels. Avoid housing with other bottom dwellers or similar species like Rainbow Sharks to prevent aggression.

• Social Structure: Prefer to be solitary; keeping multiple Red-tailed Black Sharks in the same tank can lead to aggressive behavior unless the tank is exceptionally large with plenty of hiding spaces.

Breeding

Breeding Red-tailed Black Sharks in home aquariums is extremely challenging and rarely successful. Most specimens available in the aquarium trade are bred commercially using hormone treatments.

Conservation Note

While they are common in aquariums, Red-tailed Black Sharks are critically endangered in their natural habitats due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and environmental changes. Aquarists are encouraged to purchase captive-bred individuals from reputable sources to support conservation efforts

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