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This page will give a completely detailed profile of the selected
fish, from A to Z. The profiled fish will be chosen randomly by Badman,
and will come from the complete genre of tropical fish. New profiles
are added on a regular basis. If you would like to submit a profile
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Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Formerly Labio Bicolor
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Overview:
Not really a "shark" But with the shape of the dorsal fin the name became
obvious. The striking color contrasts makes this one of the most sought
after fish. Aggressive to one another they should not be kept in groups.
Quick stats:
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Listed tank sizes are the minimum
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| Size: |
Up to 6" (15cm) |
| Tank: |
36 inches |
| Strata: |
Bottom-middle |
| PH: |
6.0 to 7.5 |
| Hardness: |
Soft to medium. dH range: 5-18 |
| Temperature: |
73ºF to 84ºF (23-29°C) |
Classification
| Order: |
Cypriniformes |
| Suborder: |
Cyprinoidei |
| Family: |
Cyprinidae |
| Genera: |
Epalzeorhynchus |
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Common name
Red tailed Black shark
Image gallery:
Additional
species photographs
Discuss:
Badmans'
Forum
Distribution
In the streams of Thailand.
General Body Form
A large Dorsal fin, usually held upright with its outer back edge concave.
Belly profile slightly curved and the back is very convex.
Down-facing mouth, with two set of barbels. The body id slightly compressed
and long. They can reach a length of about five inches, with the females
larger than the males.
Coloration
A Reddish-Orange to Red Caudal fin with the Pectoral fins being the
same or sometimes dark. If the fish is in good condition the rest of
the body, including the rest of the fins is Velvet or jet Black. There
are some color variations but the one described is the one most commonly
seen. Specimens that are in poor health or not kept in the proper conditions
will appear pale and washed out.
Maintenance
A fish that can be kept easily in the home aquarium for many years.
Their water temperature should be kept between 75 and 80 degrees F.
The water hardness should be on the soft side and not contain too many
dissolved salts. They also benefit from frequent water changes. A larger
aquarium is best to house these fish as if you are going to keep more
than one as pecking order will be established, with one fish controlling
the whole group. You will be able to identify the leader by its intense
coloration. Hiding places must be provided. The tank should not be lit
to bright as the fish are shy. Decorations should include driftwood
and live plants, for more information go to the Biotope
page on details on how to set up an Asian water tank. Diet should be
balanced with a good flake food, occasional live food and supplemented
with some vegetable matter. All in all Epalzeorhynchus Bicolor is a
fine and colorful addition to any aquarium.
Biotope:
Clear and muddy waterways littered with wood and stones
Breeding
Reports of hobbyist breeding Epalzeorhynchus Bicolor are very rare.
What I have found is that a large well planted tank with a ratio of
more females to males is needed. The females are more robust and rounded
than the males. A spawning tube will appear weeks before spawning and
the male fertilizes the eggs in jerky thrusting motions as the eggs
are scattered. It is said that the eggs hatch in a couple of days and
the fry are easy to raise. Most breeding is done in open ponds in their
native Thailand and exported around the world.
Buy now from
liveaquaria.com
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Redtail Shark
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Click photo to buy
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