Red-tailed black shark

The red-tailed black shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor; syn. Labeo bicolor), also known as the redtail shark and redtail sharkminnow, is a species of freshwater fish in the carp family, Cyprinidae. It is endemic to Thailand and currently critically endangered,[1] but common in aquaria, where it is prized for its deep black body and vivid red or orange tail. The red-tailed black sharks seen in the aquarium trade today are all captive bred.[1]

Red-tailed black shark
A red-tailed black shark
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Epalzeorhynchos
Species:
E. bicolor
Binomial name
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
(H. M. Smith, 1931)
Synonyms
  • Labeo bicolor Smith, 1931

They aren't closely related to sharks.

Distribution

The species is endemic to Thailand, and was described by Hugh M. Smith in 1931 as being 'not uncommon' in Bueng Boraphet and the streams which lead from it, and as being found in the Chao Phraya River as far south as Bangkok.[2] A 1934 expedition reported catching a specimen in the Silom canal.[3] As of 2011 it is only known at a single location in the Chao Phraya basin, and has Critically Endangered status on the IUCN Red List.[1] From 1996 until 2011 it was believed to be extinct in the wild. There is no evidence that collection for the aquarium trade is responsible for the species' decline, and it is more likely that construction of dams and draining of swamps that took place during the 1970s were to blame.[1]

Aquarium Hobby

Red-Tailed Black Sharks are commonly kept in the aquarium trade. They are often sold as Red-Tail Sharks, Labeo Shark or Firetail Sharks. Red-tailed Black Sharks are not to be mistaken with their equally common brother the Epalzeorhynchos frenatus.

Keeping Red-Tailed Black Shark:

Aquarium Size : 120 x 45 cm / 48 x 18 inch 250 Liter / 65 Gallon

Aquarium Decoration : River-like setups are appreciated with mixed sized gravel and large water worn rocks. However keep moderate water movement. Also adding things like Driftwood are a great option. For plants look into : Microsorum, Anubias, Bolbitis. Bright lightning will help with algae growth which the Red-Tailed Black Shark will eat/snack from.

Water Conditions: pH: Range from 6.0 to 8.0 but close to 7.0 is ideal. kH: 10-15 Temps: 20 – 26 °C / 68 - 78 °F

Temperament:

Size

Red-tailed black sharks can reach a length of 16 cm (6 in).[4]

Footnotes
  1. Vidthayanon, C. (2011). "Epalzeorhynchos bicolor". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T7807A12852157. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T7807A12852157.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. Smith, Hugh W. (1931). "Descriptions of new genera and species of Siamese fishes". Proceedings of the United States National Museum. 79 (2873): 1–48. doi:10.5479/si.00963801.79-2873.1.
  3. Fowler, Henry W. (1934). "Zoological Results of the Third De Schauensee Siamese Expedition, Part V: Additional Fishes". Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 86: 335–352. JSTOR 4064154.
  4. "Red Tail Shark - Tropical Fish Success". www.tropical-fish-success.com.

References


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