Edit Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
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Name
Scientific name
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Described by
Authority Fowler, Year 1934
Family
Cyprinidae
Common names
Rainbow Shark
Photograph credits
All 7 credited
Summary
The rainbow shark, Epalzeorhynchos frenatum, is a cyprinid reportedly native to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Recorded from the Mae Klong, C…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
150mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–26°C, pH 6.5–8
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
Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, Mekong, Tonlé Sap, Xe Bang Fai
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
Reportedly native to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia and was once widespread particularly in Thailand where it's been recorded from the Mae Klong, Chao Phraya and …
Habitat
Has most often been observed grazing sandy or rocky substrates in streams and rivers and is known to move into seasonally inundated floodplains or forested are…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base measurements of 120 ∗ 45 cm should be the smallest considered for a single specimen, 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 6.5 – 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
A slightly better choice for the community tank than E. bicolor but tankmates must still be chosen with care. While small specimens tend to hide away much of t…
Sexual dimorphism
Sexually mature females are noticeably thicker-bodied than males but it's impossible to sex juveniles accurately. Males should also exhibit a dark marginal edg…
Reproduction
As far as we know it's not been bred in private aquaria but large numbers are farmed for the ornamental trade with the aid 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
6 on this profile