How to Identify Red-tailed Black Shark

To identify Red-tailed Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is predominantly velvety black to dark grey. The caudal fin (tail fin) is a striking, vivid red-orange. Some individuals may exhibit a faint reddish tint on the dorsal and anal fins, but the caudal fin is the most prominent colored feature. Juveniles may have less intense coloration.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Velvety black body contrasting sharply with a bright red-orange caudal fin., Two pairs of barbels around the mouth., Ventral mouth adapted for grazing on surfaces., Relatively small, pointed dorsal fin.

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively small and pointed, typically black or dark grey.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, vibrant red-orange, the most distinctive feature.

Pectoral fin

Transparent to dusky, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

The caudal fin's intense red-orange coloration against the dark body is the primary distinguishing characteristic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Color

   Look for a uniformly dark, almost black body.

2. 2

   Tail Fin Color

   The most definitive feature is the bright, fiery red-orange caudal fin, which stands out sharply against the dark body.

3. 3

   Mouth and Barbels

   Observe the inferior mouth with two pairs of barbels, characteristic of the genus Epalzeorhynchos.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its torpedo-shaped, elongated body is typical of bottom-dwelling cyprinids.

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