Red Rainbow Shark     Epalzeorhynchos erythrurus

The Red Rainbow  Shark is a popular bottom dwelling fish.  It has the body shape of the Red Tail Shark with somewhat different fin coloration.  It is also called the Ruby Shark.

Grows to: 5"
Hobbyist Level:  A hardy fish suitable for beginners

Housing:  The Red Rainbowl Shark is a  bottom dweller.  They should be provided rocks and caves in order to stake out a territory.   You can use live or plastic plants, but adults can be destructive toward delicate plants.   In an aquarium they are tolerant of standard aquarium conditions as long as the water is well filtered and partial water changes are conducted regularly.   (Temperature: 72-80)  (pH is 7.0-7.6)  The Red Rainbow shark is known to jump so the aquarium should have a tight fitting cover.    Small sharks can be kept is a 20 gallon tank.  Adult sharks should have at least a 55 gallon.

Tankmates: Young specimens are peaceful community fish.  As they grow they will stake out a territory and may fight other members of their own kind.   It is best to keep only one Red Tail Shark, or one Red Rainbow Shark per tank, unless the tank is large. Groups of two are not recommended, but groups of 3 or more often work for a while when they are small.  A partial list of tankmates may include gouramis, barbs, danios, rainbowfish, swordtails, clown loach, silver dollars,  kribensis cichlids, corydoras cats, plecostomus cats.    Adult sharks can be kept as single specimens with larger fish as long as they have plenty of hiding spots.

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods. They like to graze on algae, and need some greens.  Feed flakes, small pellets, freeze-dried, frozen foods, and algae wafers.  In the store we feed TetraPro flakes, Tetra Color Bits, and bloodworms.  

Natural Habitat:  Asia
Availability:  We usually have small and medium size specimens in stock
Color Varieties:  The Albino Rainbow Shark is a popular variety.

See also:  Other Freshwater Sharks