Red Tail Shark

Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

A jet-black body with a brilliant red tail — striking, but territorial toward similar fish.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

72–79°F

pH

6.5–7.8

Hardness

5–15 dGH

Max size

6 in

Min tank

55 gal

Temperament

Aggressive

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

6-8 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Intermediate

Origin

Thailand

Red tail sharks are bold and territorial, especially toward other bottom-dwellers and look-alikes, so keep just one with room to claim. They are nearly extinct in the wild and sustained by captive breeding.