Red Tailed Black Shark

Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

Red Tailed Black Shark is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerBeginner

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 16 cm (≤ 6.3 in)
Aquarium size: 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 22–26 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 10–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 10–15 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.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Red Tailed Black Shark should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

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

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Thailand.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

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

Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 20–26 °C Blue Moon Danio Devario xyrops Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 18–26 °C Black Sharkminnow Labeo chrysophekadion Same family Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 90 cm (≤ 35.4 in) 20–26 °C African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 21–26 °C Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 15–21 °C Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 35 cm (≤ 13.8 in) 22–27 °C

FAQ

How large does Red Tailed Black Shark get?

Red Tailed Black Shark reaches ≤ 16 cm (≤ 6.3 in).

What aquarium size does Red Tailed Black Shark need?

Use an aquarium of at least 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) 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 22 to 26 °C.