Red Tail Shark - #32865

Add a bold and eye-catching fish to your freshwater aquarium with our Red Tail Sharks. Known for their striking jet-black bodies, brilliant red tails, and sleek shark-like appearance, these beautiful fish make an impressive addition to larger freshwater aquariums.

Native to Thailand in Southeast Asia, Red Tail Sharks are active, territorial fish that spend much of their time exploring the bottom and middle areas of the aquarium. Despite their name and appearance, they are not true sharks but members of the freshwater carp and minnow family.

Red Tail Sharks thrive in spacious, well-established aquariums with plenty of swimming room, driftwood, caves, rocks, and hiding places. They are known for becoming territorial as they mature, especially toward other Red Tail Sharks and similarly shaped bottom-dwelling fish. For this reason, they are generally best kept as the only Red Tail Shark in an aquarium with carefully selected, compatible tankmates.

These fish enjoy a varied omnivorous diet consisting of high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich foods such as frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Common Name: Red Tail Shark / Red-Tailed Black Shark
Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 Inches
Lifespan: Approximately 5–8 Years with Proper Care
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive, Territorial, and Active
Diet: Omnivore
Water Temperature: Approximately 72–79°F
pH Range: Approximately 6.5–7.5
Recommended Tank Size: 55+ Gallons, with 75+ Gallons Preferred
Social Requirements: Best Kept Individually with Compatible Tankmates
Activity Level: Active
Swimming Level: Bottom to Middle Aquarium
Habitat: Freshwater Aquarium with Driftwood, Caves, Rocks, and Hiding Areas
Care Level: Intermediate
Primary Purpose: Freshwater Display Aquarium Fish

Red Tail Sharks are an excellent choice for aquarium enthusiasts looking for a striking and active fish with plenty of personality. Their dramatic black-and-red coloration makes them a standout centerpiece in a properly maintained freshwater aquarium.

A spacious aquarium with a secure lid and plenty of hiding areas is recommended. Avoid housing them with other Red Tail Sharks, Rainbow Sharks, or similarly shaped fish that may trigger territorial aggression.

Fish are sold individually. Size, coloration, and availability may vary.

IMPORTANT: Live fish inventory changes frequently, and website stock quantities may not be accurate. Please call Curtis Country Store ahead of your visit to confirm availability.

Website listings are for viewing purposes only. All purchases must be made in-store at Curtis Country Store.