Redtail sharkminnow (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)

Scientific name: Epalzeorhynchos bicolor Smith, 1931

The Redtail sharkminnow (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–26°C (72–79°F). Native range: Asia, Chao Phraya basin, Thailand. Reported from the Mekong basin.

Redtail sharkminnow care at a glance

Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)

Biology

Inhabits mainstream rivers and floodplains. Omnivorous, feeding on plant matter and small benthic animal. Tens of thousands of specimens are exported annually from Thailand for the ornamental trade, all now captive bred. Aquarium keeping: solitary, adults are territorial and may 'bully' other fish; minimum aquarium size 120 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order: Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 12.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 15 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Asia: Chao Phraya basin, Thailand. Reported from the Mekong basin.
Conservation status (IUCN): Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)