The freshwater red tail shark is an active, territorial fish that can add lots of personality to community tanks. With their vivid red tails and striking black bodies, they stand out in any aquascape. Read on to learn how to properly care for this semi-aggressive freshwater species.
Introducing the Freshwater Red Tail Shark
General Information
- Origin: Found in rivers and streams in Thailand and adjacent regions. Often farmed commercially in southeast Asia.
- Size: Grows to 5-6 inches on average. Can reach up to 8 inches in large tanks.
- Lifespan: Approximately 5 years with proper care.
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive. Territorial towards its own kind. Needs space.
- Appearance: Black elongated body, red tail and fins. Red coloration intensifies as adults.
- Varieties: No major variations. Some selective breeding for deeper red colors.
- Price: $5 – $10 on average. Higher quality specimens can cost up to $15.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Tropical freshwater rivers and streams with moderate current.
- Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallon tank. Larger is better to diffuse aggression.
- Water Parameters: 72-82°F temperature, pH 6.5-7.5, moderately hard water.
- Tank Setup: Fine gravel substrate, open swimming space, driftwood and rocks. Moderate current.
Feeding
- Diet: Omnivore. Flake and pellet foods, supplemented with meaty foods like shrimp and worms.
- Feeding Habits: Active forager in all areas of tank. Feed 1-2 times daily.
Suitable Foods:
- High quality flakes and pellets
- Bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
- Daphnia, tubifex worms
- Vegetables like zucchini, spinach
- Hikari Algae Wafers
Breeding
- Reproduction: Egg scatterer. No parental care. Challenging to breed in home aquariums.
- Breeding Requirements: Trigger spawning with water changes. Soft, acidic water in the 70s F.
- Spawning Process: No courtship behaviors. Eggs randomly scattered among plants and decor. Hatch in 30+ hours. Fry are tiny and need infusoria or powdered fry food.
Common Health Issues
- Generally hardy if care guidelines are met.
- May be susceptible to ich and fungal infections if stressed. Quarantine new fish.
- Aggression and fighting if kept with own species. Have only one red tail per tank.
- Maintain excellent water quality and varied diet. Treat diseases promptly.
Special Considerations
- Compatibility: Best as solo shark. Avoid conspecifics. Tetras, barbs, danios, loaches, plecos.
- Special Care: Needs larger tank with open swimming space. Providing hiding spots helps reduce stress.
- Legal Restrictions: None
Species That Can Be Kept Together:
- Tiger barbs
- Silver dollar fish
- Clown loaches
- Bristlenose plecos
- Bronze corydoras
- Cherry barbs
- Congo tetras
Differences Between Males and Females
- Males are slimmer in body shape. Red on fins is more intense.
- Females are slightly larger and broader bodied, especially when carrying eggs.
- Males may develop prominent breeding stars on pectoral fins.
How many red tail shark species exist?
The freshwater red tail shark is the only recognized species, though other shark-like fish exist.
How to enhance red tail shark color?
Provide a high quality diet with occasional meaty foods. Maintain excellent water conditions.
How big do red tail sharks grow?
Typically 5-6 inches in home aquariums. Up to 8 inches in large tanks.
How fast do they grow?
They grow to full size within the first 1-2 years. Growth rate depends on tank conditions and diet.
How long do they live?
Approximately 5 years in ideal tank conditions. Proper care is important for longevity.
Caring for red tail sharks?
Needs at least 40 gallon tank with open swimming space. Keep solo with peaceful tankmates. Vary diet with meaty foods.
Recommended Foods:
Omega One Shrimp Pellets, Hikari Bloodworms, New Life Spectrum pellets.
Good red tail shark pets?
Yes, they add lots of color, activity and personality to community tanks. Not for nano tanks.
Why did my red tail shark die?
Usually due to poor water quality, improper diet, or aggression from tankmates. Keep water clean and feed a varied diet.
Are red tail sharks aggressive?
They can be aggressive toward their own kind. Semi-aggressive in general. Need larger tanks.
Do they kill other fish?
May be aggressive toward slow tankmates, especially in small tanks. Not typically lethal but can stress fish.
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