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Epalzeorhynchos frenatum, commonly known as the Red-tailed Black Shark, is a freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It is characterized by its striking black body and vibrant red-orange caudal fin. Despite its common name, it is not a true shark but rather a cyprinid, distantly related to minnows and carps. This species is known for its territorial behavior, especially as it matures, and its active nature, constantly foraging along the substrate.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- The body is predominantly velvety black, contrasting sharply with a vivid red-orange caudal (tail) fin. Some individuals may exhibit a faint reddish tint on the dorsal and anal fins, but the caudal fin is the most prominent colored feature.
- Tipo di squame
- cycloid
- Posizione della bocca
- inferior
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Velvety black body coloration, Bright red-orange caudal fin, Two pairs of barbels around the mouth, Ventral mouth with a horny sheath for scraping algae
- Pinna dorsale
- Single, tall, and pointed, typically black.
- Pinna caudale
- Deeply forked, bright red-orange.
- Pinna pettorale
- Transparent to slightly dusky, relatively small.
- Pinne distintive
- The striking red-orange caudal fin is the most distinctive feature, giving the fish its common name.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Body Color
Look for a uniform, deep black body coloration.
Tail Fin Color
The caudal fin is a vibrant, unmistakable red-orange.
Mouth and Barbels
Observe the downturned mouth with two pairs of small barbels, used for foraging on the substrate.
Body Shape
Its elongated, torpedo-like body is typical of many cyprinids adapted to flowing water.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- freshwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in shallow to moderate depths of rivers and streams, often near the bottom.
- Ambiente
- Native to clear, flowing rivers and streams with sandy or rocky substrates, often with submerged vegetation and driftwood. They prefer areas with good oxygenation and moderate current.
- Areale geografico
- Historically found in the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, and possibly the Mekong river basins in Thailand. Its wild populations are now considered critically endangered, with many reports suggesting it may be extinct in the wild due to habitat degradation and overcollection for the aquarium trade.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: intermediate
- Temperamento: semi-aggressive
- Dieta: omnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 75 gallons (280 liters)
- Temperatura: 22-26°C (72-79°F)
- Livello di pH: 6.5-7.5
- Durezza: 5-15 dGH
- Compatibilità: Best kept with robust, fast-moving fish of similar size that can tolerate its territorial nature. Avoid keeping with other bottom-dwelling or similarly shaped fish, especially other Epalzeorhynchos species, as severe aggression can occur. Can be kept singly or, in very large aquariums (200+ gallons) with ample hiding spots, a group of 5+ individuals to diffuse aggression.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places such as caves, driftwood, and dense planting. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is preferred for foraging. Strong filtration and good water flow are essential. They are known jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is necessary.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: critically endangered
- Stagionalità: Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season in their natural habitat, but specific seasonal behaviors are not well-documented for wild populations due to their rarity.
- Prezzo di mercato: Low to medium (aquarium trade)
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Not typically consumed due to small size and bony nature.
- Consistenza: Not typically consumed.
- Valore nutrizionale: Not typically consumed.
Fatti chiave
Critically Endangered in the Wildinteresting
Despite its popularity in the aquarium trade, the Red-tailed Black Shark is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with some sources suggesting it may be extinct in its natural habitat due to habitat loss and overcollection.
Not a True Sharkinteresting
Despite its common name, the 'Red-tailed Black Shark' is a member of the carp and minnow family (Cyprinidae), not a true shark (Chondrichthyes). The 'shark' in its name refers to its torpedo-like body shape and prominent dorsal fin.
Territorial Naturebehavior
As they mature, Red-tailed Black Sharks become increasingly territorial, especially towards other bottom-dwelling fish or those with similar body shapes and coloration. This behavior is more pronounced in smaller tanks.
Algae Scraperbehavior
Their downturned mouth with a horny sheath is perfectly adapted for scraping algae and biofilm from rocks and other surfaces in their natural riverine environment.
Longevityinteresting
With proper care in an aquarium, Red-tailed Black Sharks can live for 8 to 10 years, and sometimes even longer.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Maneggiare con cura- Livello di sicurezza: caution
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: not recommended
- Note sul maneggio: While not venomous, Red-tailed Black Sharks can be aggressive and territorial, especially towards conspecifics or similarly shaped fish. When handling, use a net carefully to avoid damaging their fins or scales. They are fast and can jump, so caution is advised during tank maintenance or transfer.
Specie simili
Rainbow Shark
Epalzeorhynchos erythrurus
The Rainbow Shark has a grey to black body with red or orange fins (dorsal, anal, pectoral, pelvic, and caudal), whereas the Red-tailed Black Shark has only a red-orange caudal fin and a solid black body. Rainbow Sharks also tend to be slightly less aggressive than Red-tailed Black Sharks.
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
The Flying Fox has a distinct black lateral stripe running from snout to tail, bordered by a gold stripe above it, and clear or yellowish fins. It lacks the solid black body and bright red tail of E. frenatum. Flying Foxes are generally more peaceful and less territorial.
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
The Siamese Algae Eater has a silver-grey body with a prominent black lateral stripe that extends into the caudal fin. Its fins are clear, and it lacks the barbels and the distinct body shape of Epalzeorhynchos species. It is also much more peaceful.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Cypriniformes
- Famiglia
- Cyprinidae
- Genere
- Epalzeorhynchos
- Specie
- Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Esplora Red-tailed Black Shark
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