Can I keep two Rainbow Sharks together?

No, they are highly territorial and intolerant of their own kind. If housed together, they will fiercely fight, often leading to severe stress or death. It is best to keep only one per aquarium.

Why is my Rainbow Shark losing its colour?

A pale or grey-finned Rainbow Shark is usually experiencing stress. This can be caused by poor water quality, an inadequate diet, a lack of hiding spaces, or intimidation from tankmates.

Do Rainbow Sharks eat algae?

Yes, they will happily graze on soft algae and biofilms on glass and decor. However, they cannot survive on algae alone and require a balanced, omnivorous diet including sinking pellets and meaty foods.

Will a Rainbow Shark eat my smaller fish or shrimp?

While they do not have teeth to eat other fish, their aggressive chasing can severely stress small fish. They may opportunistically consume small ornamental shrimp, especially dwarf species, so keeping them with shrimp is a risk.

What is the difference between a Rainbow Shark and a Red Tail Black Shark?

The Rainbow Shark has a dark grey or olive body with all its fins (dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, anal, and tail) coloured red or orange. The Red Tail Black Shark has a striking, velvety black body with only the tail fin being red.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Rainbow Shark

Epalzeorhynchos frenatum

A striking and active bottom-dwelling cyprinid known for its contrasting red fins, but requiring careful tankmate selection due to its robust, territorial nature.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 6.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 12 – 15 cm
200 Litres (120 cm footprint minimum): 200 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: moderate to high
Preferred setup: Soft sandy substrate with abundant hiding places using smooth river rocks, bogwood, and robust vegetation to establish territorial boundaries.

About the Rainbow Shark

The Rainbow Shark is a visually striking freshwater fish, instantly recognisable by its elongated, slate-grey or olive body contrasted sharply by vibrant red or orange fins. Originally hailing from the river basins of Southeast Asia, this species has become a long-standing favourite in the aquarium hobby. Despite the 'shark' moniker, it is actually a cyprinid and entirely harmless to humans. However, their dynamic swimming style and strong territorial instincts make them a focal point in a carefully planned community aquarium rather than a straightforward addition to any mixed tank.

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Where Rainbow Shark comes from

Native range

Southeast Asia, Mekong River basin, Chao Phraya basin, Xe Bangfai basin

Countries / regions

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia

Habitat

Flowing rivers and streams with sandy or rocky substrates, moving into flooded plains and forests during the wet season.

Wild populations have declined in some native regions due to dam construction and habitat degradation.

Similar species

Red Tail Black Shark
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterum
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Fast-moving, robust mid-water schoolers that will not compete for bottom territory and can easily evade the shark.
Great
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
Large, highly active top-dwelling fish that occupy a different water level entirely, remaining well out of the shark's way.
Great
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Peaceful bottom-dwellers that do not understand territorial boundaries and may be frequently chased by a mature shark.
Compatible with caution
Red Tail Black Shark
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Closely related species with extreme conspecific aggression; they will fight viciously if housed together.
Not recommended
Betta Fish
Betta splendens
Slow-moving with flowing fins, making them highly vulnerable to being harassed and stressed by the boisterous shark.
Not recommended

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