Red Tailed Black Shark

Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

Red Tailed Black Shark is a bottom-to-middle swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextBeginner

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.9" (≤ 12.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–79°F (20–26°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 2–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 10 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 6–8, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Red Tailed Black Shark is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

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.

Similar fish profiles

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

Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 59–72°F (15–22°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blue Moon Danio Devario xyrops Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 64–79°F (18–26°C) African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Red Tailed Black Shark get?

Red Tailed Black Shark reaches ≤ 4.9" (≤ 12.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Red Tailed Black Shark need?

Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Red Tailed Black Shark peaceful?

Red Tailed Black Shark should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.

What temperature is suitable for Red Tailed Black Shark?

Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.

Should Red Tailed Black Shark be kept alone or in a group?

Red Tailed Black Shark: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.