Rainbow Shark care guide
Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) — minimum tank 200 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 6.5-7.5.
Overview
The Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) is a slim cyprinid from Southeast Asia, recognised by a dark grey to black body and contrasting red fins. The common name refers to its shape rather than any true shark relationship.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Epalzeorhynchos
- Scientific name: Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
- Common synonyms: Red-Fin Shark
Habitat
Native to the Mekong, Chao Phraya and Mae Klong river basins of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, in habitats with moderate flow, rocky and sandy substrates and submerged wood.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (52.8 US gal)
- Adult size: 12-15 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
An omnivore. Offer sinking pellets, flakes, blanched vegetables and occasional live or frozen invertebrates.
Compatibility
A territorial, semi-aggressive bottom-dweller. Keep only one specimen per aquarium unless the tank is very large with multiple visual barriers; conspecifics will fight. Compatible with active mid- and upper-water species; avoid pairing with other Epalzeorhynchos and bottom-dwellers of similar shape.
Breeding
Captive breeding is largely commercial via hormonal induction. Hobbyist breeding is rarely reported.