Red Tail Shark
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Also known as: red-tailed black shark, Redtailed Black Shark, Red-tailed Labeo, Red Tailed Shark, Redtail Shark
Bold looks, bolder attitude. This Thai native demands respect in any tank.
About
The red tail shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is one of those fish that looks almost too good to be real. A jet-black body capped off with a vivid scarlet tail makes it instantly recognizable on any store shelf. Native to the Chao Phraya basin in Thailand, it naturally inhabits mainstream rivers and floodplains, living what is probably a largely solitary life and encountering its own kind only occasionally. That background matters a lot when it comes to keeping one, because those solitary instincts translate directly into territorial aggression in the aquarium, and they intensify as the fish matures. Juveniles tend to stay hidden and cause little trouble, which is part of why this species gets sold so freely in community fish sections with little warning attached. Over time, though, it will stake out territory and defend it seriously, especially against fish with similar body shapes or coloration. Tankmates from certain loach genera seem to fare better than most, while other bottom dwellers and similarly shaped cyprinids tend to draw consistent hostility. For the upper levels of the tank, robust schooling fish are the safer choice. Most hobbyists do best keeping just one, added last into a well-decorated aquarium with plenty of visual barriers. It browses algae incidentally but should not be purchased as an algae control solution. An intermediate-level fish for someone who goes in with realistic expectations.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Red Tail Shark
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Red Tail Shark get?
- The Red Tail Shark reaches about 3–16" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Red Tail Shark need?
- A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for the Red Tail Shark, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Red Tail Shark need?
- The Red Tail Shark does best with a temperature of 68–84°F, a pH of 5.8–7.9, hardness around 2–15 dGH.
- Is the Red Tail Shark aggressive?
- The Red Tail Shark is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Red Tail Shark eat?
- The Red Tail Shark is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Red Tail Shark live?
- With good care, the Red Tail Shark typically lives 6 years.