Red Tail Shark 101: Care Guide, Breeding, Tank Size & Disease

Red Tail Shark: A Quick Summary

The Red Tail Shark is a small fish with a red tail and black body native to Thailand. They require a well-maintained tank and should be kept with peaceful fish. Avoid housing with larger, aggressive species.

Red Tail Shark

Red Tail Shark Overview 

The Epalzeorhynchos bicolor, red tail shark, or also known as the red-tailed black shark is more than meets the eye, or ears when you hear its name. You may be expecting a shark with a red tail, and you would be partly right. This little fish is not a shark but a freshwater fish that is part of the carp family.

They are indigenous to Thailand and are unfortunately they are on the endangered species list. They are sought after in the aquarium world due to their unique coloring. These fish possess a black body and red tail fins. They were thought to be extinct from 1996-2011 but have thankfully been confirmed as not. While they can’t be found in the wild, the redtail shark can still be seen in pet stores.

Family 

The Epalzeorhynchos bicolor is from the Cyprinidae Family like their carp cousins. So in actuality, despite their name, they couldn’t be further from the most dangerous predators of the sea.

Information chartRed Tail Shark
Scientific name Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Family Cyprinidae
Care level Intermediate
Temperament Aggressive
Color Black with a red or orange tail
Lifespan 5 to 8 years
Size Up to 6 inches
Diet Omnivore
Minimum tank size 55 gallons
Temperature 72°–79°F (22°–26°C)
Water condition 5–15 dGH hardness and 6.0–8.0 pH level
Tank mate compatibility Ideally, this fish species likes to live alone.

Red Tail Shark Appearance

Red Tail Shark Appearance

The red tail shark is quite intimidating, consisting of two highly contrasting colors that add to their effect. They stand out with their bright red tails and dark black bodies. Their semi-aggressive behavior and being constantly on the lookout for food is partly why they earned their name. Another reason why the red tail shark is named this way is due to its dorsal fins.

They can get pretty big and max out at about 6 inches. Their lifestyle and feeding habits also contribute to their overall size. They are small and slim fish that sort of resembles an underwater arrow. The way to tell a male and female red-tailed black shark apart is by looking at them after adolescence. It’s near impossible to tell many species of fish apart sexually until they reach maturity.

In terms of the red tail black shark, the females round out a bit as they mature. You will notice her abdomen is wider and more voluptuous, which is necessary for carrying her eggs. Again, keep in mind what we had mentioned above about the differences between the red tail black shark and the rainbow shark. While they are also different from guppies, their skin has some similarities.

Speaking of the difference of fins, when you start to notice that your red tail black shark’s red tail fin is lacking in color or dulling, you will know your little swimmer is stressed out. What’s also really interesting and slightly frightening about this awesome species of fish is their eyes. They have eyes that look like the dark abyss and match and blend in very well with their bodies.

Lifespan of Red Tail Shark

One hopes that their pets will remain with them for a long time. While we know that not a lot of smaller fish live very long, the red-tailed shark is quite impressive in its longevity. If taken care of well, these little fish can keep your tank lively for up to 6 years! Although there have been reports of certain red-tailed sharks that live between 10-18 years of age.

However long you wish your little aggressor lives depends largely on how well you take care of it. That brings us to the food and diet of these little creatures.

Red Tail Shark Size 

A typical red tail shark typically grows up to 4 inches on the lower end and 6 inches for the larger specimens. 

Under certain conditions, the size of the fish might vary. For instance, if the genetics are good and the fish is given the right care, it can grow bigger than the expected size. 

Red Tail Shark Natural Habitat and Origin

The red tail shark is known to live in the Chao Phraya basins in Thailand. In addition, they can survive comfortably in the rivers, lowland streams, and creeks with rocks. It roughly translates to setting up a red tail shark tank is comparatively easier.

Red Tail Shark Care & Tank Set-Up

They are not particularly difficult to care for but aren’t considered beginner fish either. It’s not the little fish themselves that cause issues, but rather your choice of tank mates for these creatures, but more on that later.

Red Tail Shark Tank Setup

In order to provide the right care, it’s worth it to note that the red tail shark is often confused with the rainbow shark. While we know what could be confusing, there are some differences. The rainbow shark possesses red fins all around, while the red tail shark (as its name would suggest) only has a red tail.

How they act and what they need will also differ from the breed. For example, the red tail shark prefers faster water flow while the rainbow shark lives in slower streams.

Getting started on the right foot will also make sure your fish will grow to be healthy and strong. When picking out a red tail shark, make sure it is in good condition. Find one with vivid color, a strong swimmer, and show no signs of distress.

Maintenance and Care

Clean out their habitat about once a week, and make sure you clear the uneaten food in less than two hours just to keep the environment safe. Also, try to keep the tank covered at all times with a weighted lid. Not only do the redtail sharks themselves jump, but they may trigger other tank mates to do so, all in the effort to get away from them.

Remember that their tail fins become a duller red when they are stressed or when something is wrong. Since they are active fish, you can assume they may be sick, stressed, or fatigued when they start floating around aimlessly and not keeping busy.

Other than making sure their energy levels are up, and their tail fins are vivid, you also need to look at the condition of their fins. Make sure they don’t look shredded, frayed, or have holes in them, as this could damage their overall health. When they start gulping, it can also be an indicator of illness.

They are relatively easy to care for on their own, so if you are a beginner or are just looking into the red-tailed black shark, then we’d just recommend keeping one. Even if you are an experienced aquarist but lack the space, we would still advise against having more than one of these species.

However many more red-tailed black sharks you add, the more space you need. As if having one wasn’t tough enough if it has tank mates, can you imagine more than one without the suitable allotted space?

Optimum Tank Size for Red Tail Sharks 

The recommended tank size is 55 gallons if you want to house a red tail shark. Surely, the fish is small in size, but it requires a good amount of space to swim around. Also, they need bigger space because sometimes, they can get aggressive. 

It is where it really matters when it comes down to caring for your red-tailed black shark. Because they are such an active species, they require bigger tanks than most other fish their size. We’re looking at around 30 gallons or even larger for these strong swimmers. If you have other tank mates with them, you may be looking at a 55-gallon tank.

As we mentioned before, these fish can jump when startled, so you need to make sure the tank is well covered. If you do want more than one red tail shark, then you need at least 5. If you only have 2 (thinking they’d be best buds), then you’re looking at fish that could run each other ragged and show aggression.

If you have a school of at least 5, they will have a pack mentality, and you will see a hierarchy that doesn’t single any fish out. The ideal temperature of the water to simulate their native Thailand would be between 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit (about 22-26 degrees Celsius). The water hardness level should be around 5-15 dH.

The pH level needs to be slightly higher to be comfortable, around 7-7.5. Also, the red tail shark lives in rivers with fast water flow, so you need to do your best to mimic that. As for decorating the tank, use gravel or larger pebbles. They may mistake smaller pieces for food, so it’s essential to make sure you use bigger pieces of substrate.

For plants, they are always a great addition, especially in their younger years when they are more timid and shy. They will hide about the plants, and since they graze on algae, the plants will remain relatively unchanged in the tank.

Tank Shape for Red Tail Shark

If you want to keep your red tail shark happily and healthy, you should consider housing them in a big rectangular sized tank. 

Filter Type

To maintain better oxygenation levels, you can choose a filtration system that can offer a strong current. Redtail sharks are energetic. So, to expel the extra energy, they like to swim against strong currents. 

Substrate

The ideal substrate recommended for red tail shark tanks is moderately-sized pebbles or gravels. Remember that red tail sharks like to swim at the bottom. So, putting substrate in the tank is necessary. 

How Many Red Tail Sharks in 55 Gallons of Water?

Red tail sharks are small and have long bodies shaped like a torpedo. You can surely keep more than one red tail shark in the tank. But remember that doing so comes with a risk because these fish species are known to have aggressive nature. 

Water Parameter for Red Tail Shark

Water Temperature

The ideal water temperature for red tail sharks is 72°F to 79°F. This freshwater fish species lives comfortably in balanced water that is neither too cold nor hot. 

pH Level

The perfect water pH level for red tail sharks is 6.5 to 7.5. 

Water Hardness

As far as the water hardness is concerned, it should be somewhere between 10-15 KH.

Red Tail Shark Tank Landscape

If you want to set up a red tail shark tank, you must put plenty of hiding places in the tank. That’s because this fish species is aggressive. So, the spots will give enough options to the tank mates to hide. You can add plants, driftwood, artificial caves, and more. 

Best Plants for Red Tail Shark Tanks

If you select a red tail shark tank plant, you must pick a reasonably sized and durable one. 

Some plants that you can choose include water wisteria and hornwort. That’s because this fish species likes to make plants their home. 

Worst Plants for Red Tail Shark Tanks

You can add almost all the plants to the red tail shark’s tank because this species is not known to eat plants. But make sure that the plant does not cover the entire tank. 

Decorations for Red Tail Shark Tanks

You can add plants and several decorations that have hiding spots. 

Lighting for Red Tail Shark Tanks

When decorating the red tail shark, remember that they are predominantly nocturnal. Thus, you must introduce them to the daytime gradually. 

Feeding Red Tail Shark

Best Diet for Red Tail Shark

We know they fight for food so that they will get plenty – we’re more worried about the other members of the tank. Let’s take care of the red-tailed black shark first. They feed mainly on plant life in the tank. However, they are omnivores, which means they eat insects, crustaceans, and sometimes worms.

What works well when feeding the red-tailed shark is using flake or pellets. On occasion, they enjoy the wonderful treat that is blanched vegetables, but just make sure you wash them first. Frozen fish food such as worms and brine shrimp will also go a long way in earning their affection.

They are also considered a scavenger species that won’t leave food untouched. However, when they get full, you need to remove all their leftovers to maintain water conditions. Since they are scavengers, they help keep the tank clean by grazing on algae.

Although they are omnivores, a plant-based diet is better suited to the red tail black shark, and giving them more variety will be appreciated. Some professionals even suggest making your meals yourself if you want them to get the best of everything.

Do red tail sharks eat other fish?

The red tail black shark, another name for the species, is quite territorial. They can become very aggressive if they feel like their space is being violated or impeded. They are very special and interesting to raise because they won’t necessarily attack their tank mates, but they use the very skilled method of tiring them out.

They will chase and “run up” on their opposition and chase them around until they tire them out. They are considered bullies and would even intimidate other fish when it comes to feeding time. The red-tailed black shark’s tank mates might suffer if you don’t spread the food throughout the tank and feed the fish too closely together.

Just when you thought they discriminate against other species, you would be wrong. The red tail sharks adopt the “every man (or fish) for himself” mentality and act out towards others of the same species. They are quite an active species and love to dwell near the bottom of the tank.

You will know something is wrong when they lose their energy level and seem more fatigued. They often search for food, so feeding a few times a day and their tank mates getting some tasty morsels is a good idea. Also, try to keep the lid closed as these fish have been known to jump when startled.

How Often Should You Feed Red Tail Sharks?

One of the best things about housing red tail sharks is that you don’t have to feed them frequently. Since it’s an active fish species, it only needs to be fed once every two days. 

Red Tail Shark Behavior and Temperament

Are red tail sharks aggressive?

Redtail sharks kind of go through a timid childhood phase. In the adolescent phase, it’s essential to give them plenty of places to hide as they can be quite shy. We talk about lots of peaceful and non-aggressive aquarium pets here, but the red tail shark is among the ones on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Are Red Tail Sharks Lone or Societal?

Honestly, the red tail shark is an aggressive fish that likes to live alone. 

Red Tail Shark Tank Mates

Don’t let all this information about aggression and bullying scare you away from introducing some friends to the red-tailed black shark. If you do it right, they can thrive with other fish. They are most aggressive when they find their space is invaded or trying to feed.

To keep the territorial aggression at bay, they need plenty of space. To solve the feeding issue, you need to put food throughout the tank and make sure you feed several times a day. As we also mentioned, they won’t attack other fish or harm them physically. They sure do a number on them mentally.

They set out to chase and chase the other fish until they eventually give in to the stress. Sometimes this even prevents other species from feeding, and they can die from malnutrition. While they don’t necessarily play well with others, there are fish out there that can more than hold their own against the red tail shark.

Ideal Red Tail Shark Tank Mates

Just because they look similar, don’t throw in a few rainbow sharks for good measure. That is just a disaster waiting to happen. Avoid other sharks, if possible, and other brightly colored fish that will attract the attention (or perhaps jealousy) of the bicolored red tail shark.

Bottom dwellers and peaceful fish should also be avoided because they usually give in to excessive bullying and chasing. When in doubt, just keep one of these aggressors in their tank.

Here’s a list of compatible tank mates for red tail sharks.

Bad Tank Mates for Red Tail Shark

Besides the recommended fish, you should avoid keeping any other fish species in the tank. 

Breeding Red Tail Shark

Breeding is essential for a fish on the endangered species list. Breeding in the aquarium trade has probably helped put them back on the map. The redtail shark is a mystery as we still don’t know too much about their breeding habits. Not many people attempt their breeding at home.

What we do know is that when the females are in heat, this is when you can more visibly see their rounded and plump abdomens. However, don’t eagerly go out and find her a mate just yet because these fish can’t stand the sight of each other (in pairs).

Commercial facilities have taken it upon themselves to breed this species to save them from extinction (even though they aren’t found in the wild). Hormones are introduced into their habitat at these facilities, which triggers mating. It really doesn’t sound like something you can do at home unless you somehow have the means of procuring the hormones.

When the female does become pregnant, it looks for darker and rocky areas to lay her eggs. In the wild, this would be inside caves. The redtail shark babies emerge in 40-60 hours, and they come out silver in color. In about four days, you will see the babies swimming about freely. Much like some salmon species, the redtail shark babies will change in color as they mature. They will soon evolve from silver to a silvery brown and eventually completely black.

Their iconic red tails emerge at about 10 weeks. The babies require small crustaceans or works (live food) at this stage to grow and develop well into maturity.

Red Tail Shark Breeding Level

Breeding red tail sharks are difficult because they are bred by introducing hormones into the ponds. Doing this at home can be difficult. 

Red Tail Shark Sexual Dimorphism

To distinguish between male and female fish, you can notice their bodies. The females are thicker than the males. 

Red Tail Shark Common Disease and Their Treatments 

The best thing about red tail sharks is that they are not known to develop any particular disease. But they can develop some common freshwater diseases. 

Ich and Fin Rot

The most common diseases generally seen in the red tail fish are fin rot and ich. If your fish has developed this issue, it’s likely to ich its fin continuously. It mainly happens due to bad water conditions. 

So, if you want to decrease its possibility, you must maintain high-quality water conditions. And offer them a great amount of care. 

Facts About Red Tail Shark

  • Redtail sharks are aggressive.
  • You can add tank mates but red tail sharks like to live alone.
  • Feeding red tail sharks is not an issue because you can feed them once every two days. 

Are Red Tail Sharks Right For You?

While red tail sharks are aggressive, you must not let this thing scare you. Instead, you should try offering them favorable living conditions. Also, if you are a beginner, you can avoid keeping this fish. 

So, all in all, red tail sharks are great fish, and you can surely have them in your tank. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Can a red tail shark bite?

Even if a red-tail shark gets aggressive, it rarely bites. It does not do any damage to other fish. 

How long does a red tail shark take to reach full growth?

Redtail sharks can reach their full size in about a year. 

Conclusion

Redtail sharks are beautiful and rare (extinct in the wild), but they aren’t the easiest to get along within the tank. If you already have a tank and want to add one of these beauties, you may need to reconsider. They are easy to care for just from an owner’s standpoint, but they can cause a lot of beginners headaches with their aggression.

Not only are they territorial, but they also need quite a lot of space. Suppose you have the extra space, a lot of what makes them hard to look after can be curbed with a larger tank, more substrate, and proper tank mates. If you have everything down correctly, red tail sharks can make amazing pets. They are always busy, always entertaining, and not to mention very coveted in the fishkeeping world and incredibly beautiful.

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