Moderate

Red Tail Shark

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

Complete Red Tail Shark care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 30 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Red Tail Shark

Quick Answer

Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is a striking freshwater fish from Thailand. It requires a minimum 30 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. As a omnivore with semi-aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is a striking freshwater fish from Thailand. Its deep black body and vivid red tail make it a dramatic addition to large community tanks.

Setup

A 30-gallon or larger tank with plenty of hiding spots (caves, driftwood). They need open swimming space and moderate current. Tight lid to prevent jumping.

Feeding

Omnivorous; eats flakes, sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms, and vegetables. They also graze on algae.

Compatibility

Territorial towards bottom-dwelling fish of similar shape. Keep only one per tank unless very large. Avoid with other sharks (Rainbow, Bala) and bottom cichlids. Good with mid/top swimmers.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Leaf Fish Care Guide: Diet & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet | The Aquarium Calculators semanticSimilarity Badis Care Guide: Tank Size & Compatibility semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Red Tail Sharks should be kept together?
Keep only one per aquarium, even in tanks over 100 gallons (378 liters). Red tail sharks (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) are highly territorial bottom dwellers that will fight with other sharks or shark-shaped fish (rainbow sharks, flying foxes). Two individuals in any size tank fight to severe fin damage, stress, and death. A single adult requires a minimum of 55 gallons (208 liters) with a footprint of 48x15 inches (120x38 cm). Provide at least 3 large caves (driftwood tubes, PVC pipes) and dense plant borders. Avoid with other bottom-dwelling cyprinids.
What are the exact water parameters for Red Tail Sharks?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 10 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 120 - 300 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 250 - 600 μS/cm, and temperature 72°F - 79°F (22°C - 26°C). They require at least a 55-gallon tank with clear territory markers like large rock caves or driftwood tubes. Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 25% water changes. Use a canister filter with strong flow (10x turnover). Provide smooth gravel or sand; they dig. Use a tight-fitting lid; they are jumpers.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Red Tail Sharks?
They are omnivores requiring 40% protein, 10% fat, 50% plant matter. Feed sinking pellets, algae wafers, tropical flakes, and frozen bloodworms daily. Supplement with blanched zucchini and spirulina tabs. They graze on bottom algae. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) but sensitive to formalin. Scaleless; use malachite green at half-dose (0.05 mg/L). Praziquantel is safe. Avoid salt (tolerance <3 ppt). Quarantine with methylene blue for 7 days.
How to breed Red Tail Sharks in captivity?
Breeding is very rare in home aquariums (requires large tanks 150+ gallons and hormonal stimulation). Condition a group of 4-5 with high-protein foods (bloodworms, krill) for 4 weeks. Simulate rainy season: Lower temperature to 68°F (20°C), perform 50% water change with cool RO water over 6 hours, increase water flow. They are egg-scatterers; provide PVC pipes and smooth stones. Female releases 1,000-3,000 eggs. Remove parents after spawning. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours at 75°F (24°C). Fry require green water for 5 days, then baby brine shrimp. Not recommended for hobbyists.

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