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AGGRESSIVE AGGRESSIONbottom LAYERFreshwater

Red Tailed Black Shark

ScientificEpalzeorhynchos bicolor

Red Tailed Black Shark
SPECIMEN SERIALAQ-SPC-RED-TAILED-BLACK-SHARKVERIFIED METRIC SHEET

Key Care Metrics

Min Tank Volume
55GGallons / 208 LitersCheck Stocking Capacity →
Temp Envelope
72°-82°F22° - 28° Celsius
60°F90°F
Calculate Heater Wattage →
Acidity Envelope
6.8-7.5pH Scale Boundary
pH 5.0pH 9.0
Adult Specimen Size
6.0"Inches / 15.2 cm

Comprehensive Red Tailed Black Shark Care Guide & Tank Setup

Providing proper Red Tailed Black Shark care begins with establishing an environment that mimics their natural freshwater habitat. To guarantee optimal health, the minimum Red Tailed Black Shark tank size should be at least 55 gallons. While some sources suggest smaller volumes, a larger tank provides water chemistry buffering and crucial swimming space.

Maintaining a stable water environment is critical. The ideal Red Tailed Black Shark temperature envelope ranges from 72°F to 82°F (approx. 22°C to 28°C) with an acidity level strictly bounded between 6.8 and 7.5 pH. Fluctuations outside of these parameters can compromise their immune system.

💡 Substrate Selection Note: As a bottom-dwelling species, this fish interacts directly with the tank bed. Peaceful bottom dwellers prefer soft sand beds. Use our Aquarium Sand & Substrate Calculator to calculate the exact pounds or kg of substrate needed for their tank footprint.

Fish Food & Nutrition: Providing high-quality fish food for Red Tailed Black Shark is vital to preserve their vivid colors and energy levels. Offer a varied diet consisting of high-protein tropical pellets or flakes, supplemented with live or frozen treats like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Husbandry & Care Profile: Provide lots of hiding places and keep them with active, fast-moving tankmates. They contribute a moderate bioload and require a spacious tank.

⏳ Red Tailed Black Shark Size & Lifespan Expectations

When planning your aquarium layout, understanding the expected Red Tailed Black Shark size is critical. The average Red Tailed Black Shark max size when fully grown reaches approximately 6.0 inches (approx. 15.2 cm). In some conditions, a particularly healthy, large specimen might grow slightly larger.

How long do they live? The typical Red Tailed Black Shark lifespan averages around several years. Specifically, These active bottom-dwellers generally live for five to eight years. They require a clean environment with stable parameters to thrive. Maintaining excellent water parameters, high-quality nutrition, and low stress will help maximize their longevity.

🧬 Red Tailed Black Shark Male vs Female Differences

Understanding sexual dimorphism is key for breeding projects and managing cohabitation. Comparing a Red Tailed Black Shark male vs female or female vs male Red Tailed Black Shark reveals clear biological and cosmetic differences.

Males are sleeker and have a solid jet-black body with a brilliant red tail. Females are slightly larger and may have a slightly greyish-black body.

Cohabitation & Breeding Notes: Can you put a female and male specimen together? Depending on their species behavior, housing female and male Red Tailed Black Shark specimens in the same tank requires careful setup. For highly territorial species, keep them separated. For peaceful community fish, maintain a breeding ratio of multiple females to each male to distribute attention and reduce stress.

🐠 Compatible Red Tailed Black Shark Tank Mates

Finding the right Red Tailed Black Shark tank mates is key to maintaining a peaceful community. Can this species live with other fish? The answer depends on their aggression rating (aggressive).

Never keep multiple Red Tailed Black Sharks together. They are extremely aggressive towards their own kind and other shark-like species, so keep them as the sole shark.

When choosing companion fish, ensure they share similar temperature and pH requirements. Avoid housing them with slow-moving long-finned species if they are known fin-nippers, or with very large predatory fish that might view them as food. For a full compatibility breakdown, check the custom cross-checks and ideal matches listed on this page.

🎨 Popular Red Tailed Black Shark Morphs & Varieties

In the aquarium trade, the Red Tailed Black Shark has been bred selectively to showcase a variety of eye-catching color morphs, tail shapes, and patterns. Some of the most notable strains and varieties include:

Standard Red Tailed Black SharkWild-type Red Tailed Black SharkSelectively bred Red Tailed Black Shark varieties

From deep blue and red shades to intricate koi, marble, or albino strains, choosing the right morph adds incredible visual character to your aquarium.

🏷️ Cost & Buying Guide

Are you looking to find a healthy Red Tailed Black Shark for sale or ready to buy a Red Tailed Black Shark online? Sourcing your fish from high-quality breeders is crucial to starting with healthy specimens.

Budget-friendly, making them an accessible choice for semi-aggressive setups. The average price of a Red Tailed Black Shark varies depending on the specific color morph, fins, and strain rarity. Common varieties are widely available and can easily be purchased for under $30. Rare import show-grade specimens can cost significantly more.

When searching for a supplier nearby, check their reviews and verify that their tanks are clean and free of diseases. Healthy specimens should be alert, active, and showing bright coloration with no signs of lethargy or clamped fins. Avoid purchasing "used" or neglected setups without sanitizing them thoroughly.

✨ Unique Red Tailed Black Shark Name Ideas

Choosing a unique name for your new companion is one of the best parts of the hobby. Here are 5 unique, thematic Red Tailed Black Shark names based on their biological traits:

  • 🐟Tyson
  • 🐟Spike
  • 🐟Hunter
  • 🐟Rebel
  • 🐟Thor

📚 Media, Art & Aquarium Ornaments

Thanks to their popularity, Red Tailed Black Shark are frequently referenced in books, movies & TV shows, and cast into art sculptures or figurines. In the hobby, they are a beloved subject for custom aquarium decor, photo prints, and artificial ornaments.

If you want to purchase species-specific aquarium decor for a Red Tailed Black Shark, prioritize live plants, smooth river rocks, and clean driftwood. If you buy artificial resin ornaments, verify they have no sharp edges or narrow gaps that could trap or injure active fish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Red Tailed Black Shark live?

These active bottom-dwellers generally live for five to eight years. They require a clean environment with stable parameters to thrive.

What size tank does a Red Tailed Black Shark need?

A Red Tailed Black Shark requires a minimum tank size of 55 gallons (approx. 208 liters) to ensure proper swimming space and stable water parameters.

Can you put two Red Tailed Black Shark together?

Never keep multiple Red Tailed Black Sharks together. They are extremely aggressive towards their own kind and other shark-like species, so keep them as the sole shark.

Can a Red Tailed Black Shark live with other fish?

Yes, depending on their aggression level. The Red Tailed Black Shark has a aggressive aggression level. In general, peaceful tank mates that share the same temperature (72°F to 82°F) and pH (6.8 to 7.5) requirements make the best cohabitants.

Depth Profile

Strata Depth Profile

bottom Layer
Top Zone
0-10" Depth
Mid Zone
10-20" Depth
Bottom Zone
Active

Specimen biology dictates water column placement. The Red Tailed Black Shark primarily patrols the bottom zone, optimizing its ecological role and feeding strategies.

Ecosystem Bioload Footprint

2.5xWaste Factor

Larger values represent higher bio-waste output, requiring higher filtration volume.

Ideal Cohabitants0 verified

No direct compatible cohabitants found.

Fish to Avoid Pairing With Red Tailed Black Shark49 conflicts

Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Neon Tetra cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Guppy cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Male Betta Fish is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Red Tailed Black Shark cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Angelfish cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
High predation hazard. The size ratio between Red Tailed Black Shark (6") and Cherry Shrimp (1") exceeds 4:1, and the larger species has a aggressive temperament. The smaller species will likely be hunted or eaten.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Bristlenose Pleco cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Fancy Goldfish cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Zebra Danio cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Harlequin Rasbora

Trigonostigma heteromorpha

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Harlequin Rasbora cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Platy

Xiphophorus maculatus

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Platy cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Molly

Poecilia sphenops

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Molly cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Swordtail cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Corydoras Catfish cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Kuhli Loach cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Pea Puffer

Carinotetraodon travancoricus

Conflict Report →
High predation hazard. The size ratio between Red Tailed Black Shark (6") and Pea Puffer (1") exceeds 4:1, and the larger species has a aggressive temperament. The smaller species will likely be hunted or eaten.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Otocinclus Catfish cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Ghost Shrimp

Palaemonetes paludosus

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Ghost Shrimp cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Amano Shrimp cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Mystery Snail cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
High predation hazard. The size ratio between Red Tailed Black Shark (6") and Nerite Snail (1") exceeds 4:1, and the larger species has a aggressive temperament. The smaller species will likely be hunted or eaten.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Tiger Barb cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Cherry Barb cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Dwarf Gourami cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Honey Gourami cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Pearl Gourami cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
High predation hazard. The size ratio between Red Tailed Black Shark (6") and Celestial Pearl Danio (1") exceeds 4:1, and the larger species has a aggressive temperament. The smaller species will likely be hunted or eaten.
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Chili Rasbora prefers a pH of 5-6.5, while Red Tailed Black Shark requires a pH of 6.8-7.5. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like White Cloud Mountain Minnow cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Clown Loach

Chromobotia macracanthus

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Clown Loach cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Rainbow Shark

Epalzeorhynchos frenatum

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Rainbow Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Red Tailed Black Shark cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Bloodfin Tetra cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
German Blue Ram

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Conflict Report →
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Red Tailed Black Shark prefers a pH of 6.8-7.5, while German Blue Ram requires a pH of 5.5-6.5. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Red Tailed Black Shark prefers a pH of 6.8-7.5, while Electric Yellow Cichlid requires a pH of 7.8-8.6. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
Discus

Symphysodon aequifasciatus

Conflict Report →
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Red Tailed Black Shark prefers a pH of 6.8-7.5, while Discus requires a pH of 5-6.5. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Oscar Cichlid cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Siamese Algae Eater cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Blue Platy Fish cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Conflict Report →
Water acidity (pH) parameters clash. Red Tailed Black Shark prefers a pH of 6.8-7.5, while Cardinal Tetra requires a pH of 4.6-6.2. There is no overlapping safe pH range.
Rummynose Tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Rummynose Tetra cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Ember Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae

Conflict Report →
High predation hazard. The size ratio between Red Tailed Black Shark (6") and Ember Tetra (0.8") exceeds 4:1, and the larger species has a aggressive temperament. The smaller species will likely be hunted or eaten.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Black Skirt Tetra cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Serpae Tetra cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Croaking Gourami cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Featherfin Synodontis cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like African Dwarf Frog cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Knight Goby Fish

Stigmatogobius sadanundio

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Knight Goby Fish cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
High predation hazard. The size ratio between Red Tailed Black Shark (6") and Assassin Snail (1") exceeds 4:1, and the larger species has a aggressive temperament. The smaller species will likely be hunted or eaten.
Bala Shark

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Conflict Report →
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Bala Shark cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.
Aggression incompatibility. Red Tailed Black Shark is an aggressive/territorial species. Peaceful or community fish like Apistogramma Hongsloi cannot be housed with highly territorial fish safely.

Verified Compatibility Profiles for Red Tailed Black Shark

Systematically explore algorithmic compatibility reports comparing the Red Tailed Black Shark against other common freshwater species:

Neon TetraParacheirodon innesi
incompatibleCross-Check →
GuppyPoecilia reticulata
incompatibleCross-Check →
Male Betta FishBetta splendens
incompatibleCross-Check →
AngelfishPterophyllum scalare
incompatibleCross-Check →
Cherry ShrimpNeocaridina davidi
incompatibleCross-Check →
Bristlenose PlecoAncistrus cirrhosus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Fancy GoldfishCarassius auratus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Zebra DanioDanio rerio
incompatibleCross-Check →
Harlequin RasboraTrigonostigma heteromorpha
incompatibleCross-Check →
PlatyXiphophorus maculatus
incompatibleCross-Check →
MollyPoecilia sphenops
incompatibleCross-Check →
SwordtailXiphophorus hellerii
incompatibleCross-Check →
Corydoras CatfishCorydoras aeneus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Kuhli LoachPangio semiperfecta
incompatibleCross-Check →
Pea PufferCarinotetraodon travancoricus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Otocinclus CatfishOtocinclus vestitus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Ghost ShrimpPalaemonetes paludosus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Amano ShrimpCaridina multidentata
incompatibleCross-Check →
Mystery SnailPomacea bridgesii
incompatibleCross-Check →
Nerite SnailVittina natalensis
incompatibleCross-Check →
Tiger BarbPuntigrus tetrazona
incompatibleCross-Check →
Cherry BarbPuntius titteya
incompatibleCross-Check →
Dwarf GouramiTrichogaster lalius
incompatibleCross-Check →
Honey GouramiTrichogaster chuna
incompatibleCross-Check →
Pearl GouramiTrichopodus leerii
incompatibleCross-Check →
Celestial Pearl DanioDanio margaritatus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Chili RasboraBoraras brigittae
incompatibleCross-Check →
White Cloud Mountain MinnowTanichthys albonubes
incompatibleCross-Check →
Clown LoachChromobotia macracanthus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Rainbow SharkEpalzeorhynchos frenatum
incompatibleCross-Check →
Bloodfin TetraAphyocharax anisitsi
incompatibleCross-Check →
German Blue RamMikrogeophagus ramirezi
incompatibleCross-Check →
Electric Yellow CichlidLabidochromis caeruleus
incompatibleCross-Check →
DiscusSymphysodon aequifasciatus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Oscar CichlidAstronotus ocellatus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Siamese Algae EaterCrossocheilus oblongus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Blue Platy FishXiphophorus maculatus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Cardinal TetraParacheirodon axelrodi
incompatibleCross-Check →
Rummynose TetraHemigrammus rhodostomus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Ember TetraHyphessobrycon amandae
incompatibleCross-Check →
Black Skirt TetraGymnocorymbus ternetzi
incompatibleCross-Check →
Serpae TetraHyphessobrycon eques
incompatibleCross-Check →
Croaking GouramiTrichopsis vittata
incompatibleCross-Check →
Featherfin SynodontisSynodontis eupterus
incompatibleCross-Check →
African Dwarf FrogHymenochirus boettgeri
incompatibleCross-Check →
Knight Goby FishStigmatogobius sadanundio
incompatibleCross-Check →
Assassin SnailClea helena
incompatibleCross-Check →
Bala SharkBalantiocheilos melanopterus
incompatibleCross-Check →
Apistogramma HongsloiApistogramma hongsloi
incompatibleCross-Check →