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Red-tailed Black Shark
Black body and fins with a red tail; plan for adult territorial behaviour.
The natural form combines a charcoal body and dark fins with a vivid red tail. It is a cyprinid, despite its trade name.
- Adult length
- Up to 12.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
- Water temperature
- 20–26 °C
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Native range
- Asia: Chao Phraya basin, Thailand. Reported from the Mekong basin.
- Natural habitat
- Recorded in the wild from clear, flowing river reaches over sand and large rocks.
Territorial behaviour increases with growth, particularly toward similar bottom-dwelling fish. Do not buy it as a small-tank cleaning tool.
Appearance and identification
Unlike the rainbow shark, only the tail fin is red.
Same-species behaviour
Usually keep just one; juvenile tolerance does not predict adult group compatibility.
Space requirements
Use a minimum 120 × 45 cm base. Include cover and sight barriers without blocking movement.
Diet and feeding
Supplement surface grazing with prepared foods, plant material and suitable animal foods.
Compatibility limits
Congeners and similar bottom dwellers may be chased repeatedly.
Aquarium environment
Plants attached to wood or rock can provide cover. Algae grazing does not replace feeding or maintenance.
Similar and related fish
