Red Tail Black Shark
Epalzeorhynchos bicolor
What you need to keep a Red Tail Black Shark
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pH
6–7.5
Temperature
22–27 °C
Max size
15 cm
Min tank
200 L
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Red Tail Black Shark.
What Red Tail Black Shark costs in South Africa
8 price points from 4 shops over 90 days
R50
cheapest of 4 shops today
SA median R147 across 4 shops over the last 90 days.
5 shops
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Red Tail Black Shark is an iconic freshwater fish instantly recognisable by its jet-black velvet body contrasted with a vivid red tail fin. Despite its common name, it is not a true shark but a member of the carp family, native to the rivers of Thailand. It is semi-aggressive and highly territorial, especially toward its own species and similarly shaped fish. It requires a well-planted aquarium with plenty of caves and hiding spots to establish territory. Best kept as a single specimen in a community of robust, dissimilar fish.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Red Tail Black Shark healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 200L aquarium suits Red Tail Black Shark. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6–7.5 and 22–27°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Omnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Semi-aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Red Tail Black Shark last so territories reset.
Breeding
Red Tail Black Shark is rarely bred in captivity; most SA hobbyists buy from shops and breeders.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
10% off your first order, no code, at checkout
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
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Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price history — last 90 days
SA price range this month: R40–89 · Average: R47
This data is unique to FishHub
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