This months were taking a closer look at Epalzeorhynchos bicolor also called red tailed black shark. Exclusive to the muddy soft waters of Thailand, the red tailed shark is a common freshwater aquarium fish despite being critically endangered in the wild. Thanks to commercial breeding, we still have access to this fish and thankfully so. In the home aquarium this fish will appreciate a temperature between 72 and 80 F, pH in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 as well as a dGH and dKH within 3 and 12.

     Most commonly found inhabiting sandy river basins, this is a fish that will behave best with a sand substrate, but can also do ok with very small sized gravel. Keeping this fish in a dense planted tank with lots of rocks and drift wood will aid in showing off the redtails best behavior. Feeding on insects, and macro algae in the wild, the red-tailed shark will dine on algae wafers, and other sinking foods but will also come up to grab regular flake foods as well as live foods like daphnia.

     Classified as a semi aggressive community fish, Red tails are known to chase other peaceful fish around the aquarium but won’t necessarily nip or violently attack other fish that are strong shoolers or larger than they are. Now this does seem to be based solely on the individual, paired with tanks size, and it’s hard to predict if one will be more aggressive than another. Keeping just two red tails can create a territorial feud, leading to one of them being bullied and can cause severe stress that leads to eventual death. Keeping a group of red tailed sharks does appear to create somewhat of a stable hierarchy where they seem to get along ok, like you see in this tank. Although it is recommended that you only keep one of these guys and pair them with large, and or fast schooling fish to avoid any added stress.  

     The red tailed black shark is coveted for its jet black body and its bright red caudal fin. Growing to a max size of 5 to 6 inches, this fish is best introduced into a tank that’s at least 55 gallons. Having ample room and covered areas provided by plants and hardscape objects will help enhance its communal behavior.