Black Shark
Pickup available at Napier
Usually ready in 4 hours
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
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The Black Shark, also known as the Black Sharkminnow, is a large, powerful freshwater fish recognised for its deep black coloration and shark-like body shape. Juveniles are often sold small but grow into imposing adults that require significant space and careful tank planning.
Physical Characteristics:
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Adult Size: 60–90 cm (can exceed this in very large systems)
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Body Shape: Long, muscular, shark-like profile
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Colouration: Solid jet black body and fins
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Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal; difficult to distinguish
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Lifespan: 10–15 years
Behaviour & Temperament:
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Temperament: Aggressive
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Swimming Level: Bottom to mid levels
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Territorial Behaviour: Extremely strong
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Social Behaviour: Must be kept singly
Black Sharks will aggressively defend territory and will attack or harass most tank mates if space is insufficient.
Aquarium Requirements:
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Minimum Tank Size: 400+ litres (adult requirement)
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Juvenile Holding Tank: Short-term only
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Water Temperature: 22–28°C
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pH Range: 6.0–7.5
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Water Hardness: 5–15 dGH
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Water Flow: Moderate to strong
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Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
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Aquascape: Large rocks, driftwood, caves, open swimming zones
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Tank Cover: Essential
Feeding:
Black Sharks are omnivorous with a strong appetite:
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Large sinking pellets
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Algae wafers
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Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)
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Frozen foods (prawns, mussels, bloodworms)
Feed once daily. Avoid overfeeding due to rapid growth and waste production.
Compatibility:
Suitable Tank Mates:
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Large cichlids
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Arowanas
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Giant gouramis
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Large catfish
Avoid Housing With:
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Community fish
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Other sharks or loaches
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Bottom dwellers
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Slow or timid species
Breeding:
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Breeding in Captivity: Not achieved
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Commercial Breeding: Not established
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Notes: Not a home-breeding species
Special Considerations:
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Grows extremely large
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Not suitable for standard home aquariums
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Aggression increases with age
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Long-term commitment required
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Best suited to public aquaria or very large private systems
***Photos for reference only*** If you like updated photo please contact us and we will send you photos/video of actual fish that you are purchasing.
