freshwater
Red-tailed Black Shark
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
The fish has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body with velvety jet-black coloration sharply contrasted by a bright, vivid red or orange caudal fin (tail fin). All other fins are typically black, though some specimens might show slight white tips on the dorsal fin. It possesses small barbels near its mouth.
- Habitat
- Native to the Chao Phraya river basin in central Thailan…
- Size & weight
- Typically grows to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in…
- Diet
- Omnivorous; feeds on algae, periphyton, small crustacean…
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Physical characteristics
The fish has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body with velvety jet-black coloration sharply contrasted by a bright, vivid red or orange caudal fin (tail fin). All other fins are typically black, though some specimens might show slight white tips on the dorsal fin. It possesses small barbels near its mouth.
Habitat & distribution
Native to the Chao Phraya river basin in central Thailand, inhabiting medium-sized rivers, streams, and seasonally flooded plains with dense vegetation and rocky substrates.
Behavior
Known to be highly territorial and somewhat aggressive toward conspecifics and similar-looking bottom-dwelling fish. They are generally active swimmers, spending much of their time scouring the lower levels of the water column.
Diet
Omnivorous; feeds on algae, periphyton, small crustaceans, insect larvae, and detritus. In captivity, they readily accept sinking pellets, flakes, and blanched vegetables.
Reproduction
Egg-scatterers in the wild, undertaking seasonal migrations into flooded areas during the monsoon season to spawn. Commercial breeding relies heavily on hormone induction.
Ecological role
Acts as a scavenger and omnivore in its native river habitats, grazing on algae and detritus, which helps maintain substrate cleanliness.
Similar species
Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatus), which has a similar body shape and black coloration but features red or orange dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins in addition to the red tail.
Identification tips
Look for the unmistakable combination of a deep velvety black body and a striking, bright red tail fin with no other red fins on the body.
Interesting facts
Despite its common name and shark-like silhouette, it is actually a member of the minnow family (Cyprinidae) and is not a true shark.