Red Tail Shark

The Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is a bold and distinctive freshwater fish known for its deep black body and vivid red tail. Active, territorial and full of personality, it can make a striking feature fish in a spacious community aquarium when housed with suitable tank mates.

• Adult size: Approximately 12–15 cm

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially toward similar-shaped bottom-dwelling fish

• Social behaviour: Not a schooling fish. Usually best kept singly unless housed in a very large, carefully structured aquarium

• Tank mates: Best with robust, peaceful to semi-aggressive mid and upper-water fish such as larger barbs, rainbowfish and some medium-sized tetras

• Avoid with: Other Red Tail Sharks, Rainbow Sharks, similarly shaped algae eaters, timid bottom dwellers and slow or delicate fish

• Recommended temperature: 22–26°C

• Recommended pH: Approximately 6.5–7.5

• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Minimum tank size: Around 150 L, with a larger footprint strongly preferred

• Tank setup: Provide caves, driftwood, rocks, plants and plenty of visual barriers so the fish can establish a territory. Strong filtration and good oxygenation are recommended

• Diet: Omnivorous; feed quality sinking pellets, algae-based foods and vegetable matter alongside frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms

• Care level: Intermediate

• Swimming level: Primarily bottom to mid-water

• Special note: Territorial behaviour often increases with age, so tank size and layout are very important

Red Tail Sharks are solitary and territorial rather than social. Keeping one individual per aquarium is usually the safest approach, and providing plenty of caves and broken lines of sight can help reduce aggression toward tank mates.

Live fish are sold subject to availability and may vary slightly in size and colouration. Please review our livestock shipping and DOA guarantee before ordering.