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Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
An olive-grey body and several red fins; adults defend space.
The natural form has red-orange fins and a dark snout-to-eye marking. Albino fish are a strain.
- Adult length
- Up to 15 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
- Water temperature
- 20–26 °C
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Native range
- Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya and Xe Bangfai basins and Maeklong basin.
- Natural habitat
- Inhabits rivers and streams over sand or rock, moving into flooded plains or forest during the wet season.
A shy juvenile may become territorial as it grows, particularly toward similar bottom dwellers.
Appearance and identification
Compare its coloured dorsal and paired fins with the dark fins of the red-tailed black shark.
Same-species behaviour
Usually keep just one. Multiple adults need substantially separated territories.
Space requirements
Use a 120 × 45 cm base with stable, oxygen-rich water, cover and moderate movement.
Diet and feeding
Supplement grazing with plant-based foods and suitable small animal foods.
Compatibility limits
Similar bottom dwellers can be attacked.
Aquarium environment
Attached plants can provide cover; soft leaves are often tolerated.
Similar and related fish
