How to Take Care of a Redtail Shark

With its charcoal black body set off by a bright red tail, the redtail shark (Epalzeorhynchus bicoloris) makes a striking addition to the freshwater aquarium. Despite the name, the redtail is not a shark, but is related to carp and minnows. The redtail's mouth is downward facing, with two small "feelers" called barbels. Other common names for the redtail shark are redtail black shark, labeo bicolor, and fire tail. Native to Thailand, the redtail shark is considered to be extinct in the wild, but is bred in fish farms for the aquarium trade.

Things You'll Need

  • Established aquarium
  • Plants, caves, hiding places
  • Lid
  • Fish food, various supplements
  • Tank vacuum
  • Water test kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Raise your redtail shark in a tank no smaller than 29 gallons. The redtail averages 6 inches in length when grown, and requires plenty of space to swim.

    • 2

      Provide many hiding places in the tank. Your redtail will like hiding in small caves, plants, or behind aquarium decor.

    • 3

      Keep only one redtail shark in a tank. It is an aggressive fish, and will attack others of its own kind. It should not be with much smaller, peaceful fish, as it will chase and harass them. Ideal tankmates include barbs, cichlids, danios and gouramis.

    • 4

      Fasten a lid tightly to the tank, as the redtail shark is known to jump out of tanks.

    • 5

      Feed your redtail shark with a quality brand of flaked fish food, and vary the diet with brine shrimp, bloodworms, algae pellets, and tubifex worms.

    • 6

      Maintain water temperature of the tank between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep the pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

    • 7

      Inspect your fish daily for signs of disease or stress. Symptoms include sores or white spots on the body or fins, swimming with fins clamped against the body, gasping at the surface, shimmying in place, or refusing to eat. Ask advice from your local aquarium supply shop if you notice signs of illness in your fish.

    • 8

      Clean your tank weekly, using a tank vacuum to remove uneaten food and waste from the gravel. Change 10 percent to 20 percent of the aquarium water weekly, and use a test kit to evaluate levels of ammonia and nitrate.