Red Tail Shark
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Minimum Tank
55 Gallons
Adult Size
6 inches
Temperature
72-79°F (22-26°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
8 years
About Red Tail Shark
The red tail shark, also known as the red-tailed black shark, is a striking fish from the Chao Phraya basin in Thailand, where it is critically endangered in the wild. Its velvety black body provides a dramatic contrast to its vivid red-orange tail fin, making it one of the most visually striking freshwater fish available. Despite the shark common name, it is actually a cyprinid related to barbs and minnows. Red tail sharks are territorial bottom-dwellers that patrol and defend their chosen area aggressively, particularly against similar-looking fish. They are active, engaging fish with bold personalities that can become the dominant character in a community tank.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 55-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Catfish
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep only one red tail shark per tank, as they are highly territorial toward their own species and similar-looking fish like rainbow sharks and flying foxes. A tank of at least 55 gallons with plenty of caves, driftwood, and visual barriers is recommended. They prefer moderate to strong current at 72-79°F. Despite their territorial nature, they generally leave dissimilar species alone, making them suitable for community tanks with robust, non-similar-looking fish. Feed a varied diet of sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and frozen foods. Red tail sharks are critically endangered in the wild, so all specimens are captive-bred. They can live over 8 years with proper care.
Quick Facts
208L
Min Tank (55gal)
15cm
Adult Size (6")
8yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Red Tail Shark
Related Species You Might Like
Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
Pictus Catfish
Pimelodus pictus
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
Tank Mates for Red Tail Shark
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Electric Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher var.
easy · 30+ gal
Severum
Heros severus
moderate · 55+ gal
Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
moderate · 55+ gal
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
moderate · 40+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Red Tail Shark need?
A Red Tail Shark needs a minimum tank size of 55 gallons (208 litres).
What water parameters does a Red Tail Shark need?
Red Tail Shark thrive in water between 72-79°F (22-26°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Red Tail Shark easy to care for?
Red Tail Shark are considered moderate to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 8 years.
How big do Red Tail Shark get and what do they eat?
Red Tail Shark reach about 6 inches and are omnivores. Keep only one red tail shark per tank, as they are highly territorial toward their own species and similar-looking fish like rainbow sharks and flying foxes. A tank of at least 55 gallons with plenty of caves, driftwood, and visual barriers is recommended. They prefer moderate to strong current at 72-79°F. Despite their territorial nature, they generally leave dissimilar species alone, making them suitable for community tanks with robust, non-similar-looking fish. Feed a varied diet of sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and frozen foods. Red tail sharks are critically endangered in the wild, so all specimens are captive-bred. They can live over 8 years with proper care.