Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Redtail Shark is found throughout central and western Thailand in rivers and flooded plains, exhibiting migratory behavior to these different habitats depending on the season. Often confused with the Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum), the Redtail shark can be distinguished by darker body and solid red caudal fin. A popular fish for the aquarium, Redtail sharks can be quite the commitment in their longevity, with records of individuals living up to 15 years. While Redtail sharks are often kept in large groups for sale in stores, they live a solitary lifestyle in the wild and therefore do best kept as only one individual per aquarium. Redtail sharks are known to be more territorial compared to their close relative, the Rainbow shark. An adult Redtail shark can reach a size of approximately 5.5″. All Redtail sharks available within the aquarium trade are commerically produced.

Diet Requirements: Redtail sharks are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable and protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other mixed freshwater preparations. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single small Redtail shark. A more mature specimen will require a larger aquarium. This fish should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters ideal (Nitrates < 30 ppm). Redtail sharks are relatively indifferent to aquarium decor, but some stacked rocks to create caves, driftwood and other natural looking arrangements and artificial plants will bring out the beauty of this fish. A sandy or fine substrate is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. Redtail sharks are compatible with a variety of active medium-sized fishes with unlike body shapes that exploit other areas of the aquarium it does not occupy (middle and top regions of the aquarium). Compatability with other bottom-dwelling species, such as catfish and plecostomus, are variable, especially to the aquarium size. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 2-15, pH 6.5-8.0.

Purchase Size: Small:1-1/4” to 1-1/2”, Medium: 1-3/4” to 2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.