Photos © Sean Evans
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| Common name: | Red-Tailed Black Shark, Red-tailed labeo |
| Scientific name: | Epalzeorhynchos bicolor |
| Synonyms: | Labeo bicolor (old genus name) |
| Size: | Up to 5" (12.5cm) |
| Origin: | Southeast Asia (Thailand) - extinct in the wild? |
| Tank setup: | Larger tank (3ft/92cm plus) with plenty of decor in the way of plants, bogwood and/or rocks. |
| Compatibility: | Territorial, often aggressive (see below). |
| Temperature: | 22-26oC (72-79oF) |
| Water chemistry: | Fairly soft, slightly acidic preferred (pH 6.5-7.0), but not essential. |
| Feeding: | Omnivorous, some vegetable component to the diet is recommended. |
| Sexing: | Unknown, males may have a more pointed dorsal fin. |
| Breeding: | No detailed reports - only very occasionally achieved in aquaria because aggression is a problem.
However, all fish in the aquarium trade are commercially bred on fish farms. |
| Comments: |
This fish is very territorial and can be aggressive, particularly towards its own species, but
also to others, especially similar-looking species. Therefore it is advisable not to mix it with
species such as the Red-Finned Shark, or other Epalzeorhynchos species, Siamese Algae Eaters
(C. siamensis), etc. The aggressive nature can become more apparent with age.
Good tankmates would include robust midwater fish such as barbs, rainbowfish, and larger tetras.
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