A striking and highly active bottom-dwelling cyprinid known for its jet-black body and vibrant red tail. While beautiful, they are notoriously territorial, especially toward their own kind, similar-looking species (like Rainbow Sharks), and sometimes other bottom-dwellers. They must be kept as the only 'shark' in the tank and require a large footprint with plenty of caves and broken sightlines.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Water Parameters
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard and most common variant. Must be kept singly to prevent fatal territorial disputes.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Red Tailed Black Shark Care Guide Summary
The Red Tailed Black Shark, scientifically known as Epalzeorhynchos bicolor, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Red Tailed Black Shark requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Red Tailed Black Shark is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Red Tailed Black Shark is typically available in one standard form.
Red Tailed Black Shark Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Red Tailed Black Shark, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Red Tailed Black Shark Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Red Tailed Black Shark is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Tailed Black Shark
How big does Red Tailed Black Shark get?+
What tank size does Red Tailed Black Shark need?+
What water parameters does Red Tailed Black Shark need?+
Is Red Tailed Black Shark peaceful or aggressive?+
Can Red Tailed Black Shark live with others of its kind?+
Does Red Tailed Black Shark have any special tank requirements?+
Does Red Tailed Black Shark need a lid on the tank?+
Similar Species
Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
A popular, active freshwater 'shark' (actually a cyprinid) known for its striking red fins contrasting with a dark or albino body. They are highly territorial bottom-dwellers. Only keep one per tank, as they are notoriously aggressive toward their own kind, other 'sharks' (like the Red Tail Shark), and similar-looking bottom feeders.
Bala Shark
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Despite its name, the Bala Shark is a peaceful, schooling cyprinid. They are extremely active, fast swimmers that grow very large and startle easily. They are notorious for injuring themselves by crashing into the aquarium glass if kept in small tanks or easily spooked. They must be kept in groups and eventually require massive, custom-sized aquariums.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
A highly active, schooling cyprinid famous for its striking black stripes and infamous reputation as a fin-nipper. They are boisterous and must be kept in larger groups (6+) to keep their pecking order internal. They should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tankmates like Bettas, Guppies, or Angelfish.
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
A peaceful, schooling cyprinid endemic to the shaded streams of Sri Lanka. Unlike many of its barb cousins, the Cherry Barb is not a fin-nipper and makes an excellent community fish. They thrive in heavily planted aquariums with subdued lighting and leaf litter. Males display a striking cherry-red color, especially during spawning.
Denison Barb (Roseline Shark)
Sahyadria denisonii
An endangered, stunningly colored cyprinid endemic to the fast-flowing streams of the Western Ghats in India. Characterized by a torpedo-shaped body with a striking red line and black stripe. They are highly active, fast swimmers that require highly oxygenated water, strong flow, and cooler tropical temperatures. They are strictly shoaling fish and can be skittish if kept in small numbers.
Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.