Red-tailed Black Shark

Red-tailed Black Shark key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Over 15 years

Size

Up to 13cm TL

Temperature

20〜26℃

Diet

Sinking dried foods, frozen foods and vegetable matter

Tank

Seriously Fish suggests a 120 x 45cm base of about 243 litres. Several caves and sight-breaking rock or driftwood ease territorial disputes. It disturbs the substrate, so plants attached to decor are easier to keep.

Water Temperature & Quality

Seriously Fish gives 20-26C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 2-15 dGH, while FishBase records pH 6.5-7.5, up to 15 dH and 22-26C. It wants a mature, settled tank and reacts badly to sudden changes.

Tank Mates

Not a general community fish. Juveniles hide, but territoriality grows with age and it attacks similarly shaped fish hard. Never house it with its own kind or congeners. Loaches of Chromobotia, Botia, Syncrossus and Yasuhikotakia are usually left alone.

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore taking plant matter and small benthic animals. Use sinking dried food as the staple with frozen bloodworm, Artemia and a plant-based food. Do not buy it expecting an algae crew.

Breeding & Spawning

Traded fish are produced on Thai farms with hormone induction, and home breeding is almost never successful. Adults fight so fiercely that housing several together for breeding is impractical.

Health & Notes

It can live beyond fifteen years, so plan for the long term, and do not judge compatibility from a docile juvenile because it harries tank mates once grown. The IUCN rates the wild population Critically Endangered. It is not listed by CITES.

About Red-tailed Black Shark

A striking black-and-red bottom-dwelling fish, best kept alone due to strong territoriality. Living 15+ years and growing to about 13 cm, it suits intermediate-level aquarists.

7 things to know before welcoming a Red-tailed Black Shark

1. 1Solitary Keeping Is Key

   As they mature, Red-tailed Black Sharks become highly territorial and often relentlessly chase fish with a similar body shape or that share the same swimming layer. If you do attempt a mixed tank, provide a spacious setup with multiple hiding spots and plan carefully.

2. 2Bottom-Dwelling by Nature

   This fish spends most of its time near the substrate, so driftwood, rocks, or caves placed along the tank floor give it places to retreat to. Having secure hiding spots helps reduce stress.

3. 3Grows Up to 13 cm

   Adults can reach about 13 cm in length. Even when kept alone, choose a tank size that gives it enough room to swim comfortably as it grows.

4. 4A Long-Lived Species

   With proper care, this species can live 15 years or more. Before bringing one home, think carefully about whether you can commit to its long-term care.

5. 5Intermediate Difficulty

   This fish is rated as suitable for intermediate keepers. It can be sensitive to sudden water quality changes, so establishing a mature filter and keeping up with regular water changes is important.

6. 6Guard Against Jumping

   This active swimmer can startle easily and sometimes leaps out of the water. Using a tank with a secure lid helps prevent accidental jumps out of the aquarium.

7. 7Territorial Temperament

   They often stake out a favorite hiding spot and guard it, sometimes fighting fiercely even with others of the same species. Single specimen keeping is generally recommended, since housing multiple individuals is difficult even in a large tank.

Frequently asked questions about Red-tailed Black Shark

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.Red-tailed Black Sharks are territorial and tend to chase fish with a similar body shape especially aggressively. If you want to try a mixed tank, use a spacious setup with plenty of hiding spots and monitor behavior closely.

Q.How large a tank does it need?

A.Since it can grow to about 13 cm, even a single specimen benefits from a tank with ample swimming space. Be sure to include hiding spots as well.

Q.How long does it live?

A.Given proper care, it can live for 15 years or more. It is worth considering in advance whether you can provide long-term care.

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers rather than beginners. Some experience with water quality management and territorial behavior helps you keep it more confidently.

Q.Are there any legal restrictions on this fish?

A.The Red-tailed Black Shark is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Red-tailed Black Shark care

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