Rainbow Shark - Epalzeorhynchus frenatum

Species name: Epalzeorhynchus frenatum

Synonym: Labeo frenatus

Common name: Red-finned Shark, Rainbow Shark, Ruby Shark

Family: Cyprinidae.

Order: Cypriniformes

Class: Epalzeorhynchus

Maximum size: 15 cm / 6 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: South eastern Asia (Thailand)

Temperament: Aggressive

Company: Epalzeorhynchus frenatum (Red-finned Shark) can show aggression towards fish of similar shape and size so they do not make good community fish in all cases. Do not keep more than one of this genus to a tank.

Water parameters: temperature 22-26°C / 72-79 ºF; pH 6.5-7.5

Aquarium setup: Epalzeorhynchus frenatum (Red-finned Shark) need large well planted aquariums with plenty of rock, and wood to allow for territories. Try to keep Epalzeorhynchus frenatum (Red-finned Shark) with other similar or larger sized fish, and be sure to have good filtration.

Feeding: Omnivorous, some vegetable matter is required in their diet as well as more meaty foods like bloodworms. Epalzeorhynchus frenatum (Red-finned Shark) will except most foods ranging from commercially prepared flakes to live foods. Sometimes Epalzeorhynchus frenatum (Red-finned Shark) will also graze on algae.

Breeding: Male Epalzeorhynchus frenatum (Red-finned Shark) can sometimes be distinguished by a slimmer body and black lines/markings on the anal fin. Breeding has occasionally happened in the aquarium but it is rare and hard due to their aggression towards their own species.

Picture of Red-finned Shark - Epalzeorhynchos frenatum. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

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