Red Tail Sharks

[Katchan]

I have had red tails, rainbows, and balas, (all catfish you know)

The Real Info Anyone?

Epalzeorhynchus bicolor (old name Labeo bicolor), a form of cyprinids (even though they have catfish like barbels so do many cyprinids)

Common Name: Red Tail Black Shark, RTBS

Size: 6 inches (15cm)

Red tail black sharks have developed a reputation within fish keeping hobby as being aggressive almost belligerent fish. While red tail sharks can be very aggressive at times this is generally only due to territoriality. If this fish is given a cave or similar to mark as it’s own they are generally not territorial past that point, and keepable in a general community tank. Unless one has much experience with these fish it is not recommended to keep more than one red tail per tank, if two or more are desired allow at least 2 feet of tank length per shark with easily defined territory’s. A method has grown within the hobby of keeping 6+ with larger tanks to spread the aggression (much like african cichlids) I personally do not recommend this course of action as it far from shows their natural demeanor and is overly stressful to them. 20 gallon is the absolute minmum size for these fish but 40 is ideal.


Description
Shark like in general appearance, with an overall black colour with a red tail. Both red and black colouring fades to the point of white under stress. Juvenile fish can be defined by white tips on dorsal, pelvic and anal fins growing out fading as adulthood is attained. Maximum size is usually attained at about 5-6 inches (12-15cm)

Sexing
male red tail – defined as being more streamlined
female red tail – defined as being plumper/rounder & Breeding

Breeding
PM me if you wish to know more


Fish I have kept with RTBS
Tetra's -various
Apistogramma
Dicrossus Filmentosa
Gourami threespot/pearl/dwarf/sparkling/chocolate
discus
betta
Rams
Plecos/sailfin
Bristlenose
Angels
Blue Acara
Jack Dempsy
Blue Dolphin
swordtails
guppies
rainbow fish
Convicts
kribensis
keyholes
RTBS (I do not recommend unless you are VERY familiar with these fish)
Gold Barbs

All I can think of for now

Andrew

All information copyright Andrew Harris, aka Katchan

 

[bobross]

It's been a couple of weeks since this thread had started - fish14, what did you decide on the RTBS? I have a rainbow shark and would imagine they are similar. They are definitely a cool looking fish, although, I've found that mine isn't the most exciting fish to watch. He either hangs out in one of his caves or scavenges around for food - occasionally, he comes to the surface when it's feeding time. Good luck in what you decide ---




BobRoss

 

[Katchan]

bob, thats pretty much the basic behaviour for these types of fish, if well fed at least, if not they tend to scavange around the tank algae a bit more, if you want more action but less colour the true flying fox is a better choice.

Andrew