Red Finned Shark

Common name(s) Red Finned Shark, Ruby shark, Rainbow shark Picture of Red finned shark
Photo contributed by Peter Routon, CA, USA.
© Peter Routon
Picture of Albino Red finned shark
Albino form
Lower photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Epalzeorhynchos frenatum

Synonyms Labeo frenatus (old genus name), E. erythrurus

Size Up to 6" (15cm)

Origin S.E. Asia (Thailand)

Tank setup Planted tank with caves of wood and/or rocks, preferably at least 3ft/90cm in length.

Compatibility Territorial, and can be aggressive, particularly towards similar fish. Mixes well with active barbs, Rainbowfish, etc that occupy the middle and upper areas of the tank.

Temperature 22-26^oC (72-79^oF)

Water chemistry Fairly soft, slightly acidic preferred (pH 6.5-7.0)

Feeding Omnivorous, some vegetable component to the diet is recommended, will graze on algae.

Sexing Males have a slimmer body profile, and black lines on the anal fin.

Breeding Only occasionally achieved in aquaria - aggression is a problem.

Comments This fish is often territorial and can be aggressive, particularly towards its own species, but also to others. This aggressive nature can become more apparent with age. It is not generally as aggressive as its relative the Red-tailed black shark, and it is not generally a good idea to keep more than one of these species together, except in very large tanks with plenty of decor, so that territories can be established without the fish being constantly in site of each other.
A very similar species, Epalzeorhynchos munense, may be sold under the same common names.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Red Finned Shark, Ruby shark, Rainbow shark	Photo contributed by Peter Routon, CA, USA. © Peter Routon Albino form Lower photo taken at Wharf Aquatics © Sean Evans
Scientific name	Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Synonyms	Labeo frenatus (old genus name), E. erythrurus
Size	Up to 6" (15cm)
Origin	S.E. Asia (Thailand)
Tank setup	Planted tank with caves of wood and/or rocks, preferably at least 3ft/90cm in length.
Compatibility	Territorial, and can be aggressive, particularly towards similar fish. Mixes well with active barbs, Rainbowfish, etc that occupy the middle and upper areas of the tank.
Temperature	22-26^oC (72-79^oF)
Water chemistry	Fairly soft, slightly acidic preferred (pH 6.5-7.0)
Feeding	Omnivorous, some vegetable component to the diet is recommended, will graze on algae.
Sexing	Males have a slimmer body profile, and black lines on the anal fin.
Breeding	Only occasionally achieved in aquaria - aggression is a problem.
Comments	This fish is often territorial and can be aggressive, particularly towards its own species, but also to others. This aggressive nature can become more apparent with age. It is not generally as aggressive as its relative the Red-tailed black shark, and it is not generally a good idea to keep more than one of these species together, except in very large tanks with plenty of decor, so that territories can be established without the fish being constantly in site of each other. A very similar species, Epalzeorhynchos munense, may be sold under the same common names.