Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Rainbow Shark is a bottom-dwelling fish. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Rainbow Shark?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Beginner
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Bottom dweller
- Temperature
- 68–79°F (20–26°C)
- pH
- 6.5–8
- GH
- 2–15 dGH
- KH
- 1–10 dKH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 8 years
- Group behavior
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner.
Lifespan: up to 8 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 2–15 dGH, KH 1–10 dKH.
Temperament and compatibility
Rainbow Shark needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Rainbow Shark should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Naturally grazes algae and biofilm, with small animal food also forming part of the diet.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar.
Natural habitat: Streams and rivers with sandy substrates, with seasonal movement into flooded habitats.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Rainbow Shark get?
Rainbow Shark reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).
What aquarium size does Rainbow Shark need?
Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Is Rainbow Shark peaceful?
Rainbow Shark needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.
What temperature is suitable for Rainbow Shark?
Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.
Should Rainbow Shark be kept alone or in a group?
Rainbow Shark: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
