Red Finned Cigar Shark 3"
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🐟 Red-Fin Cigar Shark Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epalzeorhynchos frenatum |
| Common Name | Red-Fin Cigar Shark, Red-Fin Labeo |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia) |
| Adult Size | 12–15 cm (4.7–6 in) |
| Lifespan | 6–10 years |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, territorial |
| Tank Level | Bottom to mid-level |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 100+ liters (25+ gallons) for a single fish; larger for multiple |
| Temperature | 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness | 5–15 dGH |
| Substrate | Sand or smooth gravel |
| Decor | Driftwood, rocks, hiding spots |
| Lighting | Moderate |
| Filtration | Strong filtration; moderate water flow |
Tips:
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Provide ample hiding places to reduce aggression.
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Best kept as a single specimen in smaller tanks; multiple fish require very large tanks to avoid fighting.
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Stable water quality is essential for health.
🔹 Diet
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Type: Omnivorous
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Best Foods: Sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), occasional live/frozen foods.
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily; feed in moderation.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
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Semi-aggressive; territorial toward similar species and other bottom-dwellers.
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Coexists with peaceful mid- to top-dwelling fish in large tanks.
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Avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned bottom fish.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
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Peaceful tetras and barbs (larger varieties)
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Gouramis (peaceful species)
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Larger rainbowfish
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Corydoras catfish (if space is ample)
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
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Other Red-Fin Cigar Sharks in small tanks
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Aggressive or highly territorial fish
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Small fish that may be harassed or eaten
🐣 Breeding Info
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Rarely bred in home aquaria; mostly bred commercially.
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Parental Care: None observed.
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Requires large, well-planted tanks with clean water for spawning attempts.
🌿 Fun Facts
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Named for its bright red fins and elongated “cigar-shaped” body.
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Very active and fast swimmers.
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Popular centerpiece for Southeast Asian-themed aquariums.
