Red Tail Black Shark
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🐟 Red Tail Black Shark Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epalzeorhynchos bicolor |
| Common Name | Red Tail Black Shark |
| Origin | Thailand, Southeast Asia |
| Adult Size | 12–15 cm (4.7–6 in) |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, territorial |
| Tank Level | Bottom to mid-level |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 100+ liters (25+ gallons) for one fish; larger if multiple sharks or community |
| Temperature | 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness | 5–15 dGH |
| Substrate | Sand or smooth gravel |
| Decor | Rocks, caves, driftwood, hiding spots |
| Lighting | Moderate |
| Filtration | Efficient filtration; moderate water flow |
Tips:
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Provide plenty of hiding spots to reduce aggression.
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Best kept as a single specimen in smaller tanks; multiple individuals may fight.
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Maintain stable water parameters; sensitive to sudden changes.
🔹 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 to prevent overfeeding.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
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Semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly toward other bottom-dwellers or similar-shaped fish.
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Can coexist with peaceful mid- to top-dwelling fish in large tanks.
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Avoid keeping with other Red Tail Black Sharks unless the tank is very large.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
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Peaceful tetras, barbs, rainbowfish
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Larger rasboras
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Corydoras catfish (careful with aggression)
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Gouramis (peaceful varieties)
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
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Other Red Tail Black Sharks in small tanks
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Slow-moving or long-finned bottom fish (they may be nipped)
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Aggressive or territorial fish
🐣 Breeding Info
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Spawning in captivity: Rare and difficult; mostly bred by commercial breeders.
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Parental Care: Not observed in home aquaria.
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Breeding requires large, well-planted tanks with pristine water and slightly acidic to neutral pH.
🌿 Fun Facts
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Named for its striking red tail contrasted with a black body.
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Very active, strong swimmers that enjoy exploring the tank.
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Popular centerpiece for Southeast Asian-themed aquariums.
