{"product_id":"redtail-black-shark","title":"Redtail Black Shark","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRed-Tailed Black Shark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eEpalzeorhynchos bicolor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 12–15 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–27°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive and territorial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 150L+ recommended\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 5–8 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed-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 \u003cstrong\u003eonly Red-Tailed Black Shark in the aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e unless housed in a very large, carefully designed setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTank 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA bold and beautiful feature fish with plenty of personality, best suited to a spacious, well-structured aquarium with carefully selected tank mates.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Paws and Claws Manawatu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47945723183340,"sku":null,"price":18.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/1081\/5980\/files\/images_f12aaf77-2016-4424-bfb6-2ab891e27d26.jpg?v=1784076790","url":"https:\/\/pawsandclawsmanawatu.co.nz\/products\/redtail-black-shark","provider":"Paws and Claws Manawatu ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}