Rainbow shark
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum · Cyprinidae
Also known as Ruby shark, Red-fin shark
Intermediate
Territorial bottom cyprinid; one per tank, with caves and a long footprint.
In short: A rainbow shark needs at least 200 L (53 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 6.5–7.8. It is territorial, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 200 L (53 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Adult size
- 15 cm (5.9 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 200 L (53 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Hardness
- 5–18 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — sinking pellets, algae, vegetables, frozen foods.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Mekong and Chao Phraya basins
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Sandy, rocky river beds
- Natural conditions
- Warm, flowing, oxygen-rich water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Territorial
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- BarbsRainbowfishLarger tetras
- Avoid
- Another rainbow sharkRed tail sharkCorydorasLoaches
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Females are broader; males have a darker fin edge.
- Notes
- Hormone-bred commercially; not spawned in home tanks.
- Common ailments
- Aggression injuriesIch
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