Harlequin Shark (Labeo cyclorhynchus) Care Guide

A distinctive large labeo with a velvety black body contrasted by bright orange to red fins. Despite the common name 'shark', it is a cyprinid related to barbs and minnows.

Overview

Labeo cyclorhynchus is a species in the family Cyprinidae. A distinctive large labeo with a velvety black body contrasted by bright orange to red fins. Despite the common name 'shark', it is a cyprinid related to barbs and minnows. A bottom-dwelling algae grazer that becomes territorial with age, especially toward similar-looking fish.

Taxonomy

Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Labeo
Scientific name: Labeo cyclorhynchus
Other names: Variegated Shark, Black Shark
Origin: Africa, Congo Basin

Habitat

Labeo cyclorhynchus is a cyprinid from rivers of the Congo basin in central Africa. A strongly territorial bottom dweller, it grazes algae and biofilm from rock and wood and aggressively defends a feeding territory, making it best kept singly.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 23-27 °C
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 3-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 12-15 cm
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Tiger Barb, Congo Tetra, Rainbowfish, Large Gouramis
Avoid with: Rainbow Shark, Red-tail Black Shark, Other Labeo Species, Slow Bottom Dwellers

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced