Rainbow Shark
Scientific Name : Epalzeorhynchos frenatus
Common Names : Red Fin Shark, Red Shark, Ruby Shark, Albino Rainbow Shark
Care Level : Easy
Size : 6 inches (15 cm)
pH : 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature : 75°F – 80°F (24°C – 27°C)
Lifespan : 5 – 8 years.
Origin / Habitat : Thailand, Indonesia
Temperament / Behavior : This fish can become aggressive with other, smaller fish in your tank that invade its territory. They will fight with the Red Tail Shark. Provide plenty of hiding places (caves, rocks and plants)
Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : Because they will fight with other rainbows, breeding them in the home aquarium is rare.
Tank Size : 55 gallon (208 liters)
Compatible Tank Mates : Because of their temperament it is a good idea to house them with similar sized fish. Do not keep with other Rainbow sharks and Red Tail Sharks
Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease
Diet / Fish Food : An herbivore – provide a varied diet with algae wafers, pellet food and frozen food.
Tank Region : Mostly bottom to middle
Gender : On males, the anal fin is outlined in black
This freshwater cyprinid originates in Thailand and may not be a good choice for a community tank. They like to stake out their own territory in the tank. This territory can be in the form of small caves, rocks and even plants. They will become aggressive with smaller fish that invade this territory. Only keep one Rainbow Shark in your tank because they will not tolerate another Rainbow or Red Tail Sharks in the same tank. They may exist together for awhile, but one will end up chasing the other relentlessly until the other succumbs.
The Rainbow Shark will eat most fish food including flakes, pellets and frozen foods. They will eat algae wafers as well.
Breeding this freshwater shark is rare in the home aquarium. This is most likely because of their intolerance of each other in the small confines of the home aquarium.
You will need a good tight fitting hood with no escape points because this fish has been known to jump out of the tank.
