Redtail Shark

General information

Even though these fish are called sharks they are actually related to carps. They are black with a red tail fin, they are usually 5 inches. To keep these fish in captivity, water pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0 and  water temperature should range from 72ºF to 79ºF. The tank should have hiding places, rocks and a gravel substrate. They are not recommended for the community aquarium as they are very territorial and can become quite aggressive, however, reports suggest that they can be kept with Tetras and Barbs. They shouldn’t be kept in groups since they become very aggressive against their own.

This species is omnivorous. In the wild it feeds on algae, crustaceans and insects. In a tank it can be fed with flakes and live or frozen foods complemented with vegetable matter like shelled peas or cucumber.

Females are larger and rounder than males.

This species is endemic to central Thailand.