Rainbow Shark

Epalzeorhynchos frenatum

Rainbow Shark is a bottom-dwelling fish.

Semi-AggressiveBottom dwellerBeginner

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

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: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 10–16 dGH
KH: 1–10 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years

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 22–27 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 10–16 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.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

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.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Blue Spotted Hill Trout Barilius bakeri Same family Same temperament Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 63–79°F (17–26°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Bengal Danio Devario devario Same family Similar care level Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 59–79°F (15–26°C) Blue Moon Danio Devario xyrops Same family Similar care level Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 64–79°F (18–26°C)

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 22 to 27 °C.