The Red Tailed Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) originates from freshwater rivers and floodplains in Thailand. In the wild, their populations are now endangered, but they are widely bred for the aquarium trade. This species’ striking color contrast, velvety black body with a vivid red tail, instantly draws attention, and their energetic swimming adds dynamic movement to your tank. In home aquariums, red tail sharks typically grow to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), with a sleek, torpedo-shaped body and forked tail. When kept in optimal conditions, their coloration becomes even richer, with the tail displaying a fiery glow against their dark body. Red Tailed Black Sharks are semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly toward fish of similar size and shape. They thrive best in larger aquariums with ample swimming space and defined territories. Ideal tankmates include Robust, fast-moving species such as Rainbowfish, Barbs, Danios, and certain Cichlids, while slow or long-finned fish should be avoided. At our Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Red Tailed Black Shark for sale and other freshwater fish for sale are carefully selected and packed with love! Visit us to buy them online or at our aquarium store in Virginia for more betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, live aquatic plants for sale, and aquarium supplies. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH: Striking contrast of deep black body and bright red tail Grows to 4–6 inches, which is ideal for medium and large aquariums Active, hardy, and long-lived with proper care Suitable for semi-aggressive community tanks with compatible species Adds movement, character, and a bold focal point to your setup RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS: Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for one adult Temperature: 72°–79°F (22°–26°C) pH: 6.5–7.5 Hardness: 5–15 dGH Filtration: Strong and efficient, with good oxygenation CARE GUIDELINES: Diet: Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet including high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber). Supplement with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia for optimal health and coloration. Tank Setup: Provide plenty of swimming space along with caves, driftwood, and plants to establish territories. Use a secure lid, as they are skilled jumpers. Behavior: Can be territorial, especially with similar-shaped species. Best kept singly unless in a very large tank with multiple territories. Red Tailed Black Shark Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Are Red Tailed Black Sharks aggressive? Yes, Red Tailed Black Sharks are considered semi-aggressive and can be territorial, especially toward fish with a similar body shape or size. While they generally ignore fast-moving species, they may chase or nip at slow or long-finned tankmates. Providing a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places and clear territorial boundaries can help reduce aggression. How big do Red Tailed Black Sharks get? In home aquariums, Red Tailed Black Sharks typically grow to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in length. With excellent care, stable water conditions, and a nutrient-rich diet, they can reach the upper end of that range and maintain their striking black body and vivid red tail coloration. Can I keep more than one Red Tailed Black Shark? Keeping more than one Red Tailed Black Shark is generally not recommended unless you have a very large aquarium, 125 gallons or more, with plenty of hiding spots and separated territories. In smaller tanks, they are likely to fight, which can cause stress and injury. Most aquarists keep them singly to avoid aggression issues. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Are Red Tailed Black Sharks aggressive?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Red Tailed Black Sharks are considered semi-aggressive and can be territorial, especially toward fish with a similar body shape or size. While they generally ignore fast-moving species, they may chase or nip at slow or long-finned tankmates. 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