Red-Tailed Black Shark

Common name Red-Tailed Black Shark, Red-tailed labeo Picture of Red tailed black shark

Photos © Sean Evans

Scientific name Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

Synonyms Labeo bicolor (old genus name)

Size Up to 5" (12.5cm)

Origin S.E. Asia (Thailand) - extinct in the wild?

Tank setup Larger tank (3ft/90cm plus) with plenty of decor in the way of plants, bogwood and/or rocks.

Compatibility Territorial, aggressive (see below)

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.

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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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Red-Tailed Black Shark, Red-tailed labeo	Photos © Sean Evans
Scientific name	Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Synonyms	Labeo bicolor (old genus name)
Size	Up to 5" (12.5cm)
Origin	S.E. Asia (Thailand) - extinct in the wild?
Tank setup	Larger tank (3ft/90cm plus) with plenty of decor in the way of plants, bogwood and/or rocks.
Compatibility	Territorial, aggressive (see below)
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.
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.