Fauna
Fish · GBIF taxon 2360397

Red-tailed Black Shark

Epalzeorhynchos bicolor

Also 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
Red-tailed Black Shark reference1 / 2
Licensed reference(c) Astellar87, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
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
Classification
  1. OrderCypriniformes
  2. FamilyCyprinidae
  3. GenusEpalzeorhynchos
  4. SpeciesEpalzeorhynchos bicolor
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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