- Wardley Shrimp Pellets – Best Overall. This is a great protein-rich source of food for any red tail shark. ...
- Tetra 77035 TetraFin Floating Variety Pellets. Unlike the above option, these are floating pellets, which is probably a little more ideal for red tail sharks than sinking pellets.
- Hikari Cichlid Gold. This is a well-balanced fish food that has good levels of protein and plant matter in it. ...
- TetraColor Tropical Flakes. These floating flakes will provide your red tail shark with a well-balanced diet, will enhance its color, and keep it as healthy as can be.
- Aqueon Tropical Flakes. This is another well-balanced tropical fish food with ideal levels of both plant matter and proteins.
What do red tail sharks eat?
When left in the wild, red tail sharks usually eat mostly plant matter, some small insects, smaller crustaceans, and worms. Red tail sharks are omnivores and eat mostly plants and organic matter.
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.
What size tank does a red tail shark need?
A proper red tail shark tank size will be at least 53 gallons for one fish. Multiple red tail sharks will require a larger tank, so be sure to allocate at least one meter in tank length per shark.
What fish can you keep with a red tailed shark?
Livebearers like mollies, platies, and swordtails are one of the best fish tank mates to keep with a red-tailed shark. When it comes to invertebrates, freshwater snails can be successfully kept with red-tailed sharks at both a small and an adult size. You can also mix most of the tank mates.
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.
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.
Do Red Tail Sharks eat flakes?
In the wild, red tail sharks primarily feed on plant matter, but also eat worms, crustaceans and small insects. In the home aquarium, they should be offered a high quality plant based flake or pellet food, along with a normal high quality flake food.
Do Red Tail Sharks need real plants?
Live plants are a great addition to the aquarium, and Red Tail Sharks don't eat plants. They may eat some algae on rocks and glass, but they will leave plants unharmed.
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.
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.
Are Red Tail Sharks bottom feeders?
As long as they have plenty of room along the bottom and no competition, these small sharks usually ignore fish in the other parts of your tank. You can easily keep a Red Tail in a 55-gallon or larger set-up if they're the only bottom feeder.
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.
Can Red Tail Sharks live alone?
Aside from their aggressive nature, they can do well in large community tanks with tank mates that swim near the mid or top level of the aquarium. Red-tailed sharks should be kept alone in an aquarium without other red or rainbow-tailed sharks due to their territorial nature.
Why is my red tail shark swimming upside down?
The impaired buoyancy in fish is caused by a malfunction of their swim bladder. When affected by Swim Bladder Disorder fish will often lose the ability to properly swim. They will float uncontrollably to the top of the aquarium, turned upside down, while still being alive.
Do Red Tail Sharks jump?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where do red tail sharks go to find food?
Because they’re scavengers, they will enjoy scooping up food in between nooks and crannies. Caves and hiding places will also be an excellent way to scope out a territory for the red tail shark.
What temperature should a red tail shark be?
The ideal temperature for the red tail shark is around 72 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water pH should be about 6 to 8, with water hardness from 5 to 15 dH. Because the red tail shark originally came from rivers, water flow should be fast to recreate the quick pace of rivers.
How to tell the difference between a rainbow shark and a red tail shark?
Here’s how to tell them apart. Both species have red colorations, but the rainbow shark has red coloration on all of its fins. The red tail shark only has a red tail, with the rest of its fins colored black. The red tail shark will always have a black body. The rainbow shark also has a black body, but it’s more iridescent than the velvet-black ...
What shark has a black body?
The red tail shark will always have a black body. The rainbow shark also has a black body, but it’s more iridescent than the velvet-black of the red tail shark. The rainbow also has an albino variety, with a white body.
How big do red tail sharks get?
Size and Growth. The usual red tail shark size is about six inches for fully-grown adults. However, they can grow to larger sizes, as much as seven to eight inches in length. Red tail sharks often live around five to six years in an aquarium. Of course, like with most fish, they can live longer with exceptional care.
Why are red tail sharks endangered?
While the endangered status of the red tail shark can be credited to the aquarium trade, there is more evidence that environmental damage is responsible. A large number of dam construction and swamp drainage took place in the 70s, putting a strain on red tail shark’s habitats.
Why are red tail sharks so aggressive?
Because of the red tail shark’s aggressiveness, the size of their tank becomes even more critical. The more room they have to swim around, the less they will want to chase and stress out other fish.
What Makes a Good Tank Mate for Red-Tailed Sharks?
Livebearers like mollies, platies, and swordtails are one of the best fish tank mates to keep with a red-tailed shark. When it comes to invertebrates, freshwater snails can be successfully kept with red-tailed sharks at both a small and an adult size. You can also mix most of the tank mates. Livebearers get along well with tetras and danios.
How to balance out a red tail shark?
If you want to balance out your red-tailed sharks with other fish in a community tank, then you should ensure that you are meeting the needs of each fish in the tank. When every fish is well cared for and fed a high-quality diet, then they will display lower aggression levels that are commonly triggered by stress. Both red-tailed sharks and their tank mates thrive in a heavily planted tank that consists of a variety of live plants with different rocks and pieces of driftwood. Hideouts for fish are commonly sold in pet stores and allow your red-tailed shark to have a safe retreat.
How big of a tank do you need for a red tail shark?
Red-tailed sharks grow slowly and reach adult sizes between 5 to 7 inches. Due to their size, they require a large tank with the starting minimum being 20 gallons for one red-tailed shark and a pair of gourami or snails. If you plan to keep shoaling fish with your shark, a 25-gallon tank or larger is recommended.
Why do sharks need tankmates?
Tankmates can help a red-tailed shark to get used to having other fish in the tank and lower their aggression. Community tanks will promote a balanced ecosystem where all the inhabitants learn to be kept together.
Why do red tail sharks chase?
Their territory is typically near a cave-like structure and plants. When another fish tries to swim into their territory, red-tailed sharks will chase or nip at the fish. This makes it important to keep fast-moving fish that can swim away when the red-tailed shark decides to act aggressively.
What is a red tail shark?
Red-tailed sharks are a type of tropical, freshwater fish that have an aggressive and territorial temperament. They have a black body with a dark ruby red tail fin. They are a form of suckermouth fish that spends most of their time cleaning away at surfaces in the tank. They form part of the aquarium’s clean-up crew and feed off algae and leftover fish food. Aside from their aggressive nature, they can do well in large community tanks with tank mates that swim near the mid or top level of the aquarium. Red-tailed sharks should be kept alone in an aquarium without other red or rainbow-tailed sharks due to their territorial nature.
Can you keep a red tail shark in a tank?
Red-tailed sharks are not particularly sensitive to high levels of nitrite, but the water should still be kept clean using a filter and regular water changes. Only place the red-tailed shark in the tank if the tank has been fully cycled for 4 to 6 weeks prior.
What to use for a red tail shark?
For substrate, use gravel or large rocks. I used 1/4-inch gravel in my tank. I would avoid using smaller gravel because your Red Tail Shark might try to eat it.
Why is it so hard to care for a red tail black shark?
Caring for a Red Tail Black Shark is tricky because these fish are aggressive and territorial with tankmates. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the best tankmate for a red tail shark?
The best tankmates for the Red Tail Shark are large-bodied, quick and swim in the mid- to upper levels of the water column. My Zebra Danios and White Cloud Mountain Minnows managed to do well enough, and here are a few more suggestions.
How long do red tail sharks live?
Known for its large black body and vivid red tail, the Red Tail Black Shark can grow up to 6 inches in length. A lifespan of 6–10 years is common, but rare reports have stated a few living up to 18 years.
Why is it impossible to breed red tail sharks?
Breeding Red Tail Sharks in the home aquarium is close to impossible because of their aggressive nature toward each other. The process starts when the female swells with eggs, becoming more rounded than males. A week before spawning, a spawning tube appears on the male.
What color are albino sharks?
The albino Rainbow Shark has a pale white body with orange to red fins. Better known for eating algae. True to bottom feeder nature, Rainbow Sharks will clean plants and rocks of algae quicker than their Red Tail counterparts. They like the water to be a little warmer.
Where do red tail black sharks live?
They are native to Thailand, but because of excessive poaching they are thought to be extinct in the wild. They survive in greater numbers in the aquarium trade.
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.
Species Summary
Appearance
Red Tail Shark Size
- The average Red Tail Shark size is between 4 and 6 inches when fully grown.This assumes good care and genetic conditions. In our experience, this species will typically end up being on the higher end of that range as long as you’re giving them proper care. We don’t know many aquarists who have a Red Tail under 5 inches.
Care
- Red Tail Shark care is often misunderstood by many aquarists. They hear how these fish can be aggressive in certain situations (which are easily avoided) and assume that they’re difficult to care for. But that’s not the case. These fish are pretty straightforward and easy to care for as long as you know the basics. They’re pretty hardy and can handle a reasonable range of water paramete…
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 Sharks are a very active fish that are a lot of fun to watch. You’ll often see them swimming near the bottom of the tank while darting away to investigate other areas they find interesting. This activity level is why it’s so important to give them an adequate tank size and set their habitat up properly. They need room to roam! Any aggressive tendencies they display will b…
Red Tail Shark Tank Mates
- Because of their potential to be an aggressive fish, it’s important you choose the right tank mates for your Red Tail Shark. Fish that are overly curious, aggressive, or bottom-dwellers aren’t a good fit for them. They’ll either wander into the Red Tail’s territory or start a fight. Fish that will mind their own business and spend more of their time in the upper half of the aquarium are compatibl…
Breeding
- There’s not much to talk about when it comes to breeding Red Tail Sharks. These fish are extremely difficult to breed in your typical home tank setup, and there are very few reports of success. If this changes and someone cracks the code we’ll expand this section. We don’t like encouraging aquarists to try until there’s a clear path of success, so this section will stay blank i…
Conclusion
- The Red Tail Shark is a stunning freshwater fish that will undoubtedly continue to be popular in the aquarium scene for quite a while. Their unique look and straightforward care requirements make them a good fit for a wide range of experience levels. The only semi-tricky part of owning one is dealing with their aggressiveness (and that’s only something to worry about if you plan o…
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?
Overview
Appearance
Size of A Red Tail Shark
Care
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 Shark Tank Mates
Breeding
Conclusion