Redtail Black Shark

Red-Tailed Black Shark

Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

The Red-Tailed Black Shark is a striking freshwater fish known for its deep velvet-black body and vibrant red tail. With its bold colouring and confident personality, this species makes an impressive feature fish in a suitably sized tropical aquarium.

Despite its name, the Red-Tailed Black Shark is not a true shark. It belongs to the carp and minnow family and is a bottom-oriented fish that spends much of its time exploring caves, driftwood, rocks, and other areas of the aquarium.

Care Requirements

• Adult Size: Approximately 12–15 cm

• Temperature: 22–27°C

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial

• Diet: Omnivore

• Minimum Tank Size: 150L+ recommended

• Lifespan: Approximately 5–8 years

• Difficulty: Intermediate

Red-Tailed Black Sharks can become increasingly territorial as they mature, particularly towards other bottom-dwelling fish or species with a similar body shape. They are generally best kept as the only Red-Tailed Black Shark in the aquarium unless housed in a very large, carefully designed setup.

The aquarium should provide plenty of hiding places and clearly defined territories using caves, rocks, driftwood, and hardy plants. Good filtration and regular maintenance are important, along with sufficient open swimming space.

They are omnivorous and should be offered a varied diet including quality sinking pellets or wafers, vegetable-based foods, and occasional frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.

Tank mates should be chosen carefully. Active, similarly sized fish that primarily occupy the middle and upper levels of the aquarium are often the best choice, while slow, timid, or similarly shaped bottom-dwelling species may be targeted.

A bold and beautiful feature fish with plenty of personality, best suited to a spacious, well-structured aquarium with carefully selected tank mates.