Fish · GBIF taxon 2360397
Red-tailed Black Shark
Epalzeorhynchos bicolorAlso known as Redtail Shark, Red Tailed Shark, Redtail Sharkminnow, Ornate Fish
Red-tailed black sharks are striking freshwater grazers recognized by their velvety jet-black bodies and vibrant scarlet tails. Native to Thailand's lowland rivers and flooded fields, these bottom-dwellers aggressively guard small territories among submerged roots and rock crevices. While nearly extinct in the wild, stable captive breeding populations have made them a familiar staple in tropical aquariums worldwide.
FreshwaterTerritorialBottom-Dweller
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Filamentous algae
- Small crustaceans
- Insect larvae
Predators
- Predatory fish
- Water birds
- Aquatic snakes
ThreatsDam construction, river alteration, pollution, and historical over-collection
HabitatsLowland tropical rivers, floodplain streams, and densely planted pools
Life span5–8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCypriniformes
- FamilyCyprinidae
- GenusEpalzeorhynchos
- SpeciesEpalzeorhynchos bicolor
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Recognized by a torpedo-shaped coal-black body and a vivid red tail fin.
- Support conservation
- Support sustainable captive breeding and avoid wild-collected aquatic specimens.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for active grazing behavior on rocks, logs, and plant leaves.
- Aquarium Setup: Provide multiple caves and dense plants to allow clear territorial boundaries.
Competitor (c) -serwacy01-, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Drachenschwertträger36, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Mirko Hartig / CC BY-SA 2.0 de · cc-by-sa
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