Edit Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
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Name
Scientific name
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
Described by
Authority Smith, Year 1931, Bracketed
Family
Cyprinidae
Common names
Red-Tailed Black Shark
Photograph credits
All 4 credited
Summary
The red-tailed black shark, Epalzeorhynchos bicolor, is a cyprinid native to central and western Thailand, in the Mae Klong and Chao Phraya…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
125mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–26°C, pH 6–8
Hardness
2–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Territorial
Social needs
Solitary or specimen
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Thailand, Chao Phraya, Mae Klong
Writing
Etymology
Epalzeorhynchos: From Epalzeo-, which has an unconfirmed derivation and meaning but is often reported incorrectly to denote 'curative' (it may actually mean 'h…
Distribution
The species is native to central and western Thailand with historic records from the lower Mae Klong, lower Chao Phraya and Bangpakong rivers, all of which dra…
Habitat
The specimen recently collected from the Mae Klong was obtained from a flowing stretch of clear water of over a metre in depth, with a substrate of sand and la…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base measurements of 120 ∗ 45 cm should be the smallest considered, with larger quarters necessary for a group.
Maintenance
Provided sufficient cover is available this species is relatively unfussy in terms of décor, and should not harm softer-leaved plants. However it will thrive i…
Water conditions
Temperature: 20 – 26 °C pH: Happy within the range 6.0 – 8.0 but a value close to neutral is usually recommended. Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Diet
Primarily an aufwuchs grazer feeding on algae, small crustaceans, insect larvae, etc., and for it to develop its best colours and condition it should be offere…
Behaviour and compatibility
Though normally sold as such this species is largely unsuitable for the general community aquarium. This does not mean to say it must be kept alone, rather tha…
Sexual dimorphism
Sexually mature females are noticeably thicker-bodied than males but it's impossible to sex young specimens accurately by external means. It's possible that ma…
Reproduction
As far as we know it has not been bred in private aquaria. Large numbers are produced on commercial farms via the artificial use of hormones.
Notes
Despite its popularity as an aquarium fish this species is rarely maintained in ideal conditions. Juveniles are typically being offered for sale with little to…
References
References
7 on this profile