Red Tail Black Shark

Red Tail Black Shark Care Sheet

Overview

Tank Setup

Tips:

• Provide plenty of hiding spots to reduce aggression.

• Best kept as a single specimen in smaller tanks; multiple individuals may fight.

• Maintain stable water parameters; sensitive to sudden changes.

Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Best Foods: Sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), occasional live/frozen foods.

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily; feed in moderation to prevent overfeeding.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly toward other bottom-dwellers or similar-shaped fish.

• Can coexist with peaceful mid- to top-dwelling fish in large tanks.

• Avoid keeping with other Red Tail Black Sharks unless the tank is very large.

Tank Mate Guide

Compatible Species

• Peaceful tetras, barbs, rainbowfish

• Larger rasboras

• Corydoras catfish (careful with aggression)

• Gouramis (peaceful varieties)

Avoid or Use Caution With

• Other Red Tail Black Sharks in small tanks

• Slow-moving or long-finned bottom fish (they may be nipped)

• Aggressive or territorial fish

Breeding Info

• Spawning in captivity: Rare and difficult; mostly bred by commercial breeders.

• Parental Care: Not observed in home aquaria.

• Breeding requires large, well-planted tanks with pristine water and slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Fun Facts

• Named for its striking red tail contrasted with a black body.

• Very active, strong swimmers that enjoy exploring the tank.

• Popular centerpiece for Southeast Asian-themed aquariums.