Red Tail Shark is an eye-getting freshwater fish that we’ve been attracted to for a long time. Their raw yet striking appearance is something you don’t frequently observe in different species.
This is disregarding the way that the destiny of the species is really in a difficult situation. In any case, these fish are something beyond beautiful.
They’re entirely simple to care for and can be low-upkeep if you place them in the correct territory (more on that later).
This guide will train you on everything you have to think about Red Tail Shark care. You’ll learn great alternatives for tank mates, what food they eat, how huge they get, and much more!
Species Summary
The Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is a freshwater fish that is found in Thailand. It is frequently referred to by different names like the Red-Tailed Shark, Red-Tailed Black Shark, Fire Tail Shark, and Red Rail Shark Minnow.
The root of these names is somewhat evident when you see one. Most of their body is black aside from their caudal balance, which is red.
There was a profoundly dense populace of Red Tail Sharks in Bueng Boraphet, the biggest freshwater lake and swamp area in the center bit of Thailand. Various streams stream out from this waterway where you could discover this species also.
We state “could discover” because this species is currently considered to be Critically Endangered. Indeed, the Red Tail Shark was thought to be wiped out as of late as 2011.
Even though it has been confirmed that this fish is still around in the wild, their numbers are a small amount of what they used to be.
This is something that many individuals in the aquarium scene don’t understand. You see, this freshwater Aquarium sharks a considerable amount in tanks everywhere in the world and is discussed in gatherings frequently also. So it can appear as though everything is okay (when it certainly isn’t).
Although there hasn’t been any problematic information that shows the aquarium business is at fault for the drop in the populace, we like to treat this species with an additional measure of regard.
This implies we possibly suggest getting one if you’re certain beyond a shadow of a doubt you will be submitted enough to deal with it.
While that should consistently be your methodology regardless of what fish you keep, we prescribe setting aside the effort to be 110% sure before getting an endangered species.
Red Tail Black Shark Appearance
The presence of the Red Tail Shark is pretty direct. There are just two tones to specify (black and red), and their bodies have an exemplary shark-like appearance from a shading viewpoint.
One reason why this fish is so striking is the abrupt change in shading from black to red. Most of their body is black with no deviation or design anyplace (even on the blades).
Yet, that all progressions when you get to the caudal balance.
Directly toward the finish of the caudal peduncle, the shading shifts from black to brilliant red. It doesn’t move step by step, either. There’s, in a real sense, a vertical line where it does a total shading change!
On their caudal tail, this red tone is consistent all through. A few examples may have somewhat, to a greater degree, a clear red close to the blade’s edge, yet that is not the case every time.
Their bodies look very much like a shark (even though they aren’t). The Red Tail Black Shark has a long and dainty body molded very much like a torpedo.
Their dorsal balance generally starts mostly back on their body and looks like the exemplary character of the terrifying fish we’ve come to fear in motion pictures. The remainder of their balances (barring the caudal) is much more modest.
These fish are regularly mistaken for Rainbow Sharks. It’s critical to differentiate because these two fish are not feasible tank mates and will battle on the off chance that you keep them together.
Life Expectancy of Red-Tailed Black Shark
The average Red Tail Shark life expectancy is somewhere in the range of 5 and 8 years. While there’s consistently a component of arbitrariness to this, there are a few things you can do to ensure that they live as far as might be feasible.
Among them are purchasing your fish from a trustworthy dealer, keeping them in incredible territory, and reducing pressure by supporting them with the correct tank mates. So try not to stress; we spread those points in this guide.
Red Tail Shark Care
Numerous aquarists frequently misjudge red Tail Shark care. They hear how these fish can be forceful in specific circumstances (which are handily stayed away) and accept that they’re hard to care for.
In any case, that is not the situation.
These fish are pretty direct to care for; however, you know the rudiments long. As a result, they’re pretty tough and can deal with a sensible water parameter scope, making things much more straightforward as a proprietor.
On the off chance that you set them up with a deficient tank, you’ll unquestionably have a few issues. So peruse this part to get the hang of everything you need to begin things off right.
Red Tail Shark Size
Full Grown Red Tail Shark size is somewhere between 4 and 6 inches when completely developed. This expects great care and hereditary conditions, and it will live up to 6 years approximately.
We would say this species will commonly wind up being on the higher finish of that range insofar as you’re giving them legitimate care. We don’t know numerous aquarists who have a Red Tail less than 5 inches.
Tank Size
The suggested tank size for Red Tail Sharks is 55 gallons. Even though these fish aren’t gigantic, they’re dynamic and need a decent measure of space to swim.
This space likewise proves to help reduce the chance of violent conduct. They can get regional, and that possibly deteriorates when they’re directly on top of each other.
While many aquarists have done fine keeping two of these in a similar tank (more on that later), it’s strongly suggested that you increment the tank size fundamentally if you endeavor this.
Water Parameters
Water parameters are a component of Red Tail Shark care that you won’t need to stress much. These fish are genuinely solid and can endure a sensible reach in the accompanying levels:
- Water temperature: 72°F to 79°F (we favor the upper portion of that range)
- pH levels: 6.5 to 7.5
- Water hardness: 10-15 KH
Even though these aren’t the touchiest species on the planet, you should consistently check the water parameters on a predictable premise. This will prevent anything from moving out of the suggested windows and affecting the strength of your fish.
Put resources into a strong water test pack to make sure the readings you’re getting are exact. We’ve realized aquarists who’ve harmed their tank because of a bogus perusing!
What To Put In Their Tank
Setting up decent Red-Tailed Black Shark natural surroundings is pretty basic once you comprehend their local climate. As we referenced before, this fish originates from the biggest lake and swamp area in focal Thailand. These waters are loaded with vegetation, wood, and rocks.
This implies you ought to incorporate these things if you need your fish to be agreeable. Not exclusively will they give advancement and something these fish know about; however, it will likewise reduce their violent propensities.
Any reliable and sensibly sized plants like Hornwort or Water wisteria will function admirably. Numerous proprietors said their Red Tail Shark chose to make its home in plants rather than caverns.Some driftwood is a proper consideration that will give some assortment and spots to fish to stow away. Finally, make sure there’s sufficient space to swim in the wake of adding everything. It’s anything but difficult to go over the edge while improving a tank!
The ideal substrate for Red Tail Sharks has respectably sized rock or stones.
Red Tail Shark Diseases
Red Tail Black Sharks don’t have a specific sickness that besets their species, yet they can get any of the common freshwater illnesses that exist.
The most well-known are Ich and balance decay. The likelihood of this occurrence goes down nearly on the off chance that you give them extraordinary care and excellent water conditions, yet the event is consistently there.
Our suggestion is to zero in on prevention instead of being neurotic about treatment. On the off chance that your fish are sufficiently unfortunate to become ill, there are many incredible assets online about managing the infection (we’ll be adding some to our webpage very soon also).
Up to that point, give a valiant effort to take care of your Red Tail Shark’s incredible food and give them first-rate living space. Be predictable about observing parameters and doing incomplete water changes (this is the most widely recognized reason for ailment).
You ought to likewise put shortly every day reviewing your fish. Investigate check whether you notice anything strange on their body (or in their conduct). The sooner you understand that something isn’t right, the better.
Red Tail Shark Food and Diet
You have a lot of choices with regards to Red Tail Shark food. These fish are omnivores and are not fastidious about what they eat!
In their stable environment, they eat plants, creepy crawlies, and different scavengers. It’s difficult to reproduce their ordinary eating regimen in imprisonment. However, it isn’t so difficult to approach!Most proprietors feed this species flakes or pellets as the essential wellspring of sustenance. Nothing extravagant here; go with your number one great supplier.
You can likewise toss in some different nourishment for assortment and advancement. We’re firm devotees that doing this won’t just keep your Red Tail Shark more joyful. However, it will broaden their life expectancy also.
Saltwater shrimp, bloodworms, and tubifex are a portion of our top choices. These are wealthy in protein and supplements. However, they draw out some unique dynamic practices in your fish.Some aquarists suggest including a few vegetables like zucchini or cucumber for assortment also. Make sure you cut the pieces sufficiently little so they can be effortlessly eaten!
Since Red Tail Sharks aren’t demanding eaters, it’s essential to make sure you’re not overloading them. On the off chance that they can’t eat what you gave them in a few minutes, you’re presumably giving them a lot of food.
Likewise, watch out for how much food is being eaten and the amount tumbling to the substrate. Uneaten food can rapidly bargain the nature of the water, which expands the danger of disease.
Red Tail Shark Fish Breeding
There’s very little to discuss with regards to reproducing Red Tail Sharks. These fish are amazingly hard to raise in your typical home tank arrangement, and there are very barely any reports of achievement.
If these progressions and somebody figures out the code, we’ll grow this part. We don’t like urging aquarists to attempt until there’s a make way of progress so that this part will remain clear meanwhile.
Rearing endeavors (fruitful or fizzled) affect the wellbeing of your fish and accompany hazards. So to amplify the prosperity of your Red Tail Shark, it’s smarter to abstain from reproducing.
Conduct and Temperament
Red Tail Sharks are very dynamic fish that are loads of enjoyable to watch. You’ll regularly observe them swimming close to the lower part of the tank while dashing ceaselessly to research different areas they find intriguing.
This action level is why it’s essential to give them a sufficient tank size and set their natural surroundings up appropriately. They need space to wander!
Any violent propensities they show will be misrepresented by insufficient space or some unacceptable tank mates (more details on the segment underneath). In addition, this species is very regional and requires to have its spot in the Aquarium to feel good.
Red Tail Shark Tank Mates
Due to their capability to be forceful fish, it’s significant you pick the correct tank mates for your Red Tail Shark.Fish that are excessively inquisitive, forceful, or bottom feeders are certifiably not a solid match for them. They’ll either meander into the Red Tail’s area or stir something up.
Fish that will stay out of other people’s affairs and invest a more significant amount of their energy in the Aquarium’s upper portion are viable. Of course, there will never be a complete assurance that you won’t see violent conduct, yet on the off chance that you need to keep them in a network tank, those are the sort of fish you’re searching for.
Here are some conceivable Red Tail Shark tank mates:
- Neon Tetra
- Bala Shark
- Nectar Gourami
- Shimmering Gourami
- Congo Tetra
- Pearl Gourami
- Angelfish
While it’s conceivable to keep more than one Red Tail Shark in a similar aquarium, it accompanies hazards. Because of their regional nature, there’s a high likelihood that these fish will battle, except if they have a lot of room.
To get around this current, it’s prescribed to have a couple of them in a similar tank rather than two. Be that as it may, this additionally implies you’ll have to get a genuinely monstrous tank. That is why we ask you to abstain from doing this and go with other tank mates.
Fish that appear to be comparable ought not to be kept in a similar tank. An extraordinary case of this is the Rainbow Shark. There is something in particular about the red hue that brings out regional and forceful conduct.
Keeping Multiple Red Tail Sharks
Red Tail Sharks are highly territorial, and if you are just starting to have an Aquarium, we won’t recommend having multiple Red Tail Sharks together.
But if you are experienced, then you can try to keep multiple red-tailed black sharks together. However, You must have a giant aquarium and keep at least 5 sharks together. This will help other fishes from Alfa Male. These males will bully single fish and ultimately kill them, so more fish will distract his attention and could survive in the Aquarium.
Final thoughts
The Red Tail Shark is a dazzling freshwater fish that will, without a doubt, keep on being well known in the aquarium scene for a long time.
Their unique look and direct care necessities make them a solid match for a broad involvement level. The main semi-precious piece of possessing one is managing their forcefulness (which is just something to stress over if you plan to keep them in a network tank).
We trust this guide prepared you for Red Tail Shark care and urged you to try this species out. There’s nothing very like seeing those splendid red spots streak around your Aquarium!
