
Red Tail Shark Food
- Meat and Veggies. They are omnivorous scavengers, meaning they will eat both meat and plant matter, including that which has fallen to the bottom of the tank.
- Varied and Clean Diet. Because they’re omnivores, it’s also wise to keep their diet varied. ...
- Don’t Overdo the Meat. The red tail shark’s diet should also be supplemented with meat. Frozen foods, like brine shrimp, blood worms, and frozen daphnia, make for great treats.
What do red tail sharks eat in captivity?
You have a lot of options when it comes to Red Tail Shark food. These fish are omnivores and are not picky about what they eat! In their natural habitat, they eat plants, insects, and various crustaceans. Obviously it’s hard to replicate their normal diet in captivity, but it’s not that hard to come close!
How do you take care of a red tail shark?
Until then, do your best to feed your Red Tail Shark great food and provide them with a top-notch habitat. Be consistent about monitoring parameters and doing partial water changes (this is the most common cause of illness). Author Note: You should also spend a few minutes each day inspecting your fish.
Can red tailed sharks eat zucchini?
Red Tailed Sharks will appreciate the occasional slice of cucumber, zucchini, or frozen vegetables included in their diet. Place the vegetable directly in the tank and remove a couple of hours later if your fish haven’t eaten all of it.
How big of a tank does a red tail shark need?
Red Tail Shark: Tankmates, Care Guide and More… Category Rating Family: Cyprinidae Minimum Tank Size: 55+ Gallons Tank Set-Up: Tropical Freshwater: Rocks, Caves and Pl ... Compatibility: Moderate 6 more rows ...

What vegetables do Red Tail Sharks eat?
Red Tail Shark Diet They love to feed on algae, which is great for the cleanliness of your fish tank. They also love to eat shelled peas, blanched zucchini, and blanched cucumber too.
Are Red Tail Sharks bottom feeders?
Red Tail Sharks Inhabit the bottom and middle of the water column. They will come to the surface only when feeding. Prefer faster water flow. They live in fast-moving streams and rivers in the wild, and this replicates that habitat.
How do you make a red tailed shark happy?
Live food can make the red tail shark's coloration more vibrant. Ideal live and frozen foods are bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Feed the red tail shark once every couple of days, ideally between dusk and dawn. Food that sinks to the bottom of the tank, like sinking pellets, is best for red tail sharks.
What do red tail fish eat?
Redtail catfish are omnivores that require a protein-rich diet. In the wild, redtail catfish eat anything they can find, including crustaceans, small fish, insects, and fruit. Ideal foods for the redtail catfish include sinking pellets and both live and frozen foods like shrimp, crayfish, small fish, and worms.
Can 2 Red Tail Sharks live together?
While it's definitely possible to keep more than one Red Tail Shark in the same aquarium, it comes with risk. Due to their territorial nature, there's a high likelihood that these fish will fight unless they have a significant amount of space.
How often do you feed a red tail shark?
once every 2 daysThese fish are active from dusk till dawn so that is when you should feed them. They will only need once every 2 days as the rest of the time, they will find their own food in your tank.
How can you tell if a Red Tail Shark is male or female?
The sex of Red Tailed Sharks is difficult to determine. Females tend to be slightly larger than males and their stomach can be more of a grey rather than black colour. The stomach area of female fish will also tend to be more rounded during spawning season due to developing eggs.
Do Red Tail Shark jump out of tank?
Not only do the redtail sharks themselves jump, but they may trigger other tank mates to do so, all in the effort to get away from them. Remember that their tail fins become a duller red when they are stressed or when something is wrong.
Do Red Tail Sharks like current?
In the wild, red tail sharks prefer streams and rivers with a strong current to them. A single HOB won't provide enough water flow to keep them happy.
Do red tail sharks eat cucumber?
What do Red tail sharks eat? Red tail shark feeds on plants such as peas, cucumber, and zucchini. Meat such as bloodworms, brine shrimps, daphnia, krill, and insects. Moreover, in wild, they eat algae, plankton, insects, and dead organic matter.
What should I feed my shark?
Most sharks are omnivorous in captivity and will thrive on a varied diet that includes Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Spirulina Flakes, Tropical Granules, Algae Rounds, Bottom Feeder Tablets and Shrimp Pellets. Frozen and live foods can also be fed as treats to improve growth and color.
How long do red tail sharks live?
Species OverviewLevel of CareModerateAppearanceBlack body with a red tailTemperamentSemi-aggressiveLife Expectancy5-6 yearsSize4.5-inches5 more rows•Apr 15, 2022
What sharks are bottom-feeders?
Some species of carpet sharks bear live young, while others lay eggs. Many species of carpet sharks are bottom-feeders, primarily eating mollusks and crustaceans.
Are shark fish bottom-feeders?
They are bottom feeders, eating crustaceans like clams and mollusks and fish that are swimming close to the ocean floor.
Can a red tail shark live with cichlids?
0:010:23Red Tail Shark with Cichlids - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo here's a fish that I absolutely love it's a redtail shark you commonly see them in cichlidMoreSo here's a fish that I absolutely love it's a redtail shark you commonly see them in cichlid aquariums. Though they don't always work but when they do work they just don't war some scavenger.
What's the difference between a rainbow shark and a red tail shark?
Although these two sharks look very much alike, the difference in their dispositions is like night and day. A sure-fire way to distinguish a rainbow shark from a red-tail shark is to look at the coloration of the pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins, which are all red in the rainbow shark and black in the red-tail shark.
Overview
Thailand is home to the Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor), a freshwater fish. The Red-Tailed Shark, Red-Tailed Black Shark, Fire Tail Shark, and Red Rail Shark Minnow are some of the other names given to it.
Appearance
The Red Tail Shark has a rather basic appearance. There are only two colors to mention in terms of color (black and red), and their bodies have a characteristic shark-like aspect.
Size of a Red Tail Shark
When fully mature, the average Red Tail Shark is between 4 and 6 inches long. This is presumptively based on proper care and genetic conditions.
Care
Many aquarists have misconceptions about Red Tail Shark care. They’ve heard that these fish can be violent in certain conditions (which can be avoided) and assume they’re difficult to care for.
Guideline for Food and Diet
When it comes to Red Tail Shark food, you have a number of possibilities. These fish are omnivores, meaning they don’t care what they eat!
Temperament & Behaviour
Red Tail Sharks are a fast-moving species that are fascinating to watch. They’ll frequently be seen swimming towards the tank’s bottom while darting away to study other locations that pique their attention.
Red Tail Shark Tank Mates
Because Red Tail Sharks have the potential to be aggressive, it’s critical that you choose the correct tank mates for them.
How many sharks can you keep in a red tail tank?
Make sure you have a large aquarium; for each Red Tail you add, you need to add a minimum of 1 meter to the tank. You will also need to keep at least five sharks at once.
What is the color of a red tail shark?
Red Tail Shark Appearance. The Epalzeorhynchos Bicolor is a standout in any freshwater aquarium, with a deep black body offset with a red forked tail. It’s their dorsal fin that is similar in appearance to a shark, which is where its name comes from. Their body is long and slim with flattened sides and a curved back.
What is the best shark to have in a freshwater aquarium?
The Red Tail Shark can be a standout in any freshwater aquarium.
Where do red tail black sharks live?
As previously mentioned the Red Tail Black Shark is native to the freshwater algae ponds of Thailand. During rainy season they will inhabit the bottom lands, streams and forest area. It is a very active fish that will spend the majority of its time “busy”.
Why are red tails endangered?
Over the last few decades, the wild population of Red Tails has been all but eliminated due to industrial-grade farming and excessive poaching. It is now listed as critically endangered.
Do red tails hide?
As juveniles you will find your Red Tails to be fairly timid. For this reason you should provide them with plenty of spaces to hide (read the tank requirements section below for more advice). As they mature into adults they will become territorial and can be aggressive to fish which stray into their territory.
Should You Get a Red Tail Shark for Your Aquarium?
The red tail shark is a robust and lively fish with a fierce personality. Red tail sharks are moderately difficult to care for and need at least a 55-gallon tank or bigger.
What is the best substrate for a red tail shark?
It’s easy to go overboard when decorating a tank! Author Note: The ideal substrate for Red Tail Sharks is moderately-sized gravel or pebbles. Red Tail Sharks are bottom-dwellers for the most part, so getting the substrate right is very important.
Why are red tail sharks not picky eaters?
Because Red Tail Sharks aren’t picky eaters, it’s important to make sure you’re not overfeeding them. If they can’t eat what you gave them in a couple of minutes you’re probably giving them too much food. Also, keep an eye on how much food is actually being eaten and how much is falling to the substrate.
How big of a tank do red tail sharks need?
Tank Size. The recommended tank size for Red Tail Sharks is 55 gallons. Even though these fish aren’t massive, they’re quite active and need a good amount of room to swim. This space also comes in handy for reducing the possibility of aggressive behavior.
Why is it important to choose the right tank mates for a Red Tail Shark?
Because of their potential to be an aggressive fish, it’s important you choose the right tank mates for your Red Tail Shark.
What does a red tail black shark look like?
The Red Tail Black Shark has a long and thin body that’s shaped very much like a torpedo. Their dorsal fin begins roughly halfway back on their body and resembles the classic trait of the scary fish we’ve come to fear in movies.
How long do red tail sharks live?
The average Red Tail Shark lifespan is between 5 and 8 years. While there’s always an element of randomness to this, there are some things you can do to ensure that they live as long as possible.
What is a red tail shark?
Red Tail Sharks are an eye-catching freshwater fish that we’ve been drawn to for quite a while. Their simple yet striking appearance is something you don’t often see in other species.
Red Tail Shark Overview
The Red Tail Shark ( Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is also called the Red Tail Labeo, Red Tail Sharkminnow or the Red Tail Black Shark. It is a freshwater shark that differs from sea sharks in that it is a bony fish and not a cartilaginous fish.
Red Tail Shark Key Facts
Other Names: Red Tail Labeo, Red Tail Sharkminnow, Red Tail Black Shark
Red Tail Shark Appearance
The Red Tail Shark size is around 5-6 inches maximum. It resembles other shark-like cyprinid and the Rainbow Shark ( Remember, you should avoid Rainbow Sharks as tank mates, as well as other equally sized Sharkminnows ).
Red Tail Shark Tank Care
These fish are native to the Chao Phraya River in Thailand, which is naturally murky water with plant decay and higher acidity than other waters.
Red Tail Shark Tank Specifics
Tank Substrate: Small pebbles, medium sized gravel, air stones, large rocks, logs, arches, caves.
Red Tail Shark Tank Mates
If you’re keeping a Red Tail Shark in your aquarium, you’ll need to be conscious of what tank mates you choose to share the space with them. Because of their territorial nature, it is known to drive away other fish by being aggressive, much like it’s larger, sea-roaming shark cousins. This makes them not ideal for living in a community.
Common Illnesses And Diseases In Red Tail Sharks
The most common disease found in the Red Tail Shark is Streptococcus Iniae, which includes symptoms such as imbalance, uncoordinated swimming, erratic behaviour and lethargy.
Origin of Red Tail Shark
They are freshwater fish that is found in Thailand. This species is now considered to be Critically Endangered. It has been verified that this fish is still around in the wild, their number is a fraction of what they once were.
The appearance of Red Tail Shark
The Red Tail Shark from a color standpoint, there are only two colors to mention black & red. They also have a classic shark-like appearance. The majority of their body is completely black with no deviation or pattering anywhere even on the fins. But that all changes when you get to the caudal fin.
The behavior of Red Tail Shark
As a young Red Tail Shark, you will find them to be fairly timid. Give them plenty of spaces to hide. When they mature into adults they will become territorial and can be aggressive to fish that stray into their territory. Most of the time they will swim near the bottom of the tank.
Tank Requirement for Red Tail Shark
They are known for being territorial, 29 gallons tank for juveniles and adults should be placed in at least 55+ gallons tank. You should make a lot of hiding places for your fish. Use caves, driftwood and ensure the tank is well planted.
Red Tail Shark Diet
They are an omnivore and in the wild they are diet will consist of plants, crustaceans, and other small insects. They will eat most things you put into the aquarium including flack, pellets, live and frozen foods. You should be comprised of high-quality pellet or flake. You can also add some variety to this with meats and plants.
Tankmates for Red Tail Shark
The Red Tail Shark is not exactly the ideal candidate for community tank, even though you can keep them with other fish. You just need to be careful with your selection. The ideal Tankmates should be robust, fast, and tend to spend their time in the middle and upper levels of the water. Some fish that you can keep with them :
How big of a tank do red tail sharks need?
Red Tail Sharks do best in large tanks. A single juvenile Red Tail Shark can be housed in a 30-gallon tank, and adult Red Tail Sharks prefer 55-gallon tanks. If you want more than one Red Tail Shark, you’ll need either an especially large tank or tank partitions to prevent territorial disputes.
What is a red tail shark?
The Red Tail Shark is a member of the carp family, needs a high-quality diet, and prefers its own space.
What is the best fish to have in a freshwater aquarium?
Red tail sharks are among the most striking freshwater aquarium fish you can find. They’re bright and beautiful, active swimmers, and stand out in almost any tank. Like any fish, they do have some care requirements and behaviors you should know before introducing them to your home tank.
What temperature should a red tail shark tank be?
A tropical freshwater fish, they thrive best in tanks between 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit. PH should hand somewhere between 6.8 and 7.5. You should also monitor your tank hardness if you want to keep Red Tail Sharks, especially if you live somewhere you know has especially hard or especially soft water.
What does fish fungus look like on a red tail shark?
Lastly, fish fungus can also affect your Red Tailed Sharks. This fungus usually looks like gray or white cottony growths on the body and more rarely on the fins. Anti-fungal tank treatments usually take care of the problem.
Why do red tail sharks jump out of tanks?
Red Tail Sharks are also somewhat prone to jumping out of tanks. They jump when excited, when looking for food, and sometimes as a result of territorial disputes.
What is the name of the fish with red tails?
Red Tail Sharks are well named. They have bright red tails with dark back bodies. There are some other fish (like Rainbow Shark) that look similar to Red Tail Sharks with red fins in addition to the red tails, but these aren’t the same fish.

Overview
Appearance
Size of A Red Tail Shark
- When fully mature, the average Red Tail Shark is between 4 and 6 inches long. This is presumptively based on proper care and genetic conditions. In our experience, if you give this species good care, it will often finish up on the higher end of that spectrum. We don’t know many aquarists that have a Red Tail that is less than 5 inches long.
Care
- Many aquarists have misconceptions about Red Tail Shark care. They’ve heard that these fish can be violent in certain conditions (which can be avoided) and assume they’re difficult to care for. That, however, is not the case. As long as you know the essentials, these fish are simple to care for and maintain. They’re tough and can endure a wide range of water conditions, which makes li…
Guideline For Food and Diet
- When it comes to Red Tail Shark food, you have a number of possibilities. These fish are omnivores, meaning they don’t care what they eat! They eat plants, insects, and crustaceans in their natural habitat. Obviously, it’s difficult to recreate their natural diet in captivity, but it’s not impossible! As a primary source of nutrition, most owners f...
Temperament & Behaviour
- Red Tail Sharks are a fast-moving species that are fascinating to watch. They’ll frequently be seen swimming towards the tank’s bottom while darting away to study other locations that pique their attention. Because of their high activity level, it’s critical to provide them with a large enough tank and properly set up their habitat. They require space to move about! Inadequate space or the inc…
Red Tail Shark Tank Mates
- Because Red Tail Sharks have the potential to be aggressive, it’s critical that you choose the correct tank mates for them. They aren’t a suitable match for fish that are highly curious, aggressive, or bottom-dwellers. Either they’ll venture into Red Tail area or they’ll start a battle. Compatible fish are those that will mind their own business and spend more time in the upper h…
Breeding
- When it comes to Red Tail Shark breeding, there isn’t much to say. These fish are notoriously difficult to breed in a standard home aquarium, with only a few instances of success. This section will be expanded if the situation changes and someone cracks the code. We don’t want to encourage aquarists to try unless they can see a clear route to success, thus this section will be …
Conclusion
- The Red Tail Shark is an incredibly beautiful freshwater fish that will surely remain popular in aquariums for a long time. Their distinct appearance and simple maintenance requirements make them suitable for people of all skill levels. The only semi-complicated aspect of owning one is dealing with their aggressiveness (which is only a concern if you intend to maintain them in a co…
Red Tail Shark Facts & Overview
Appearance & Behavior
Red Tail Shark Care & Tank Requirements
Tank Mates
Diet and Feeding
- These fish are omnivores and enjoy scavenging for food. The fish have a down-turned mouth which they use to scrape algae from rocks. In the wild, a red tail shark’s diet consists of insects, crustaceans, plant matter, and worms. Red tail sharks should be fed a varied diet of pellets, live or frozen foods, and vegetables like zucchini and blanched p...
Breeding
Should You Get A Red Tail Shark For Your Aquarium?
Species Summary
Appearance
Red Tail Shark Size
Care
Food & Diet Recommendations
- You have a lot of options when it comes to Red Tail Shark food. These fish are omnivores and are not picky about what they eat! In their natural habitat, they eat plants, insects, and various crustaceans. Obviously it’s hard to replicate their normal diet in captivity, but it’s not that hard to come close! Most owners feed this species flakes or pe...
Behavior & Temperament
Red Tail Shark Tank Mates
Breeding
Conclusion