Can I keep two Red Tail Black Sharks together?

No, it is highly discouraged. As they mature, they become fiercely territorial and will constantly fight, often until the weaker fish is killed. They should always be kept as single specimens.

Why has my Red Tail Black Shark turned grey?

A faded or grey colouration is a clear sign of stress. This can be caused by poor water parameters, a lack of hiding spaces, bullying from larger tank mates, or an inadequate diet.

Will a Red Tail Black Shark clean my tank of algae?

While they do graze on soft algae and biofilm, they are not dedicated algae eaters and will not clear an algae outbreak. They require a varied diet of sinking pellets, vegetables, and meaty foods to thrive.

Can they live with Bettas or smaller tetras?

Slow-moving fish like Bettas or fish with long fins are not recommended, as the shark's fast, erratic swimming and chasing behaviour will cause them immense stress. Very small tetras might be ignored, but robust, fast-swimming species are much safer companions.

How fast do Red Tail Black Sharks grow?

They grow relatively quickly in their first year, reaching about 8-10 cm, after which their growth rate slows down. They will reach their maximum size of up to 15 cm within two to three years.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Red Tail Black Shark

Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

The Red Tail Black Shark is a striking, active freshwater fish famous for its velvety black body and vibrant red tail, but renowned for being highly territorial.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 26 °C
pH range: 6.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 12 – 15 cm
Minimum for an adult: 200 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate to moderately strong
Preferred setup: Well-planted with driftwood, smooth rocks, and numerous caves to establish clear territorial boundaries.

About the Red Tail Black Shark

Despite its common name, the Red Tail Black Shark is a species of cyprinid, more closely related to carp and minnows than true sharks. It earns its moniker from its distinct, high dorsal fin and torpedo-like body shape. This species is an iconic staple of the freshwater aquarium hobby thanks to its incredible contrast of a deep, jet-black body paired with a fiery red caudal fin. While undeniable beautiful, it commands respect in the aquarium due to its fiercely territorial nature. It demands thoughtful tank scaping and careful selection of tank mates to prevent domestic disputes.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Red Tail Black Shark against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Red Tail Black Shark comes from

Native range

Chao Phraya River Basin

Countries / regions

Thailand

Habitat

Clear, flowing streams and rivers with dense marginal vegetation, submerged roots, and rocky or sandy substrates.

Declared Extinct in the Wild in 1996, a small population has since been rediscovered in the Chao Phraya basin. The aquarium trade is sustained entirely by commercial hormone-induced breeding.

Similar species

Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
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-swimming and robust mid-to-top dwellers that easily avoid the bottom-focused territory of the shark.
Great
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
Occupy the upper levels of the aquarium and are much too swift to be bothered by any occasional territorial chasing.
Great
Boeseman's Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia boesemani
Large enough not to be intimidated and stick to the middle and upper water column.
Great
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
As peaceful bottom dwellers, they may wander into the shark's territory and be relentlessly chased. Only attempt in very large, heavily scaped tanks.
Compatible with caution
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
They share the same benthic habitat and dietary preferences, which can trigger the shark's territorial instincts.
Compatible with caution
Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Conspecifics and closely related species will fight incessantly, often leading to severe injury or death.
Not recommended
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Possesses a similar body shape and occupies the same niche, which will trigger lethal aggression from the Red Tail Black Shark.
Not recommended

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