Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatus)

The Rainbow Shark, a tropical freshwater fish native to the warm rivers of Southeast Asia, is well-known for its vibrant red fins and territorial nature. Despite its name, this cyprinid species isn’t a true shark but earns the moniker due to its upright dorsal fin, which gives it a shark-like appearance.

Appearance:

Rainbow Sharks are visually striking, with their dark bodies and bright red or orange fins. They typically grow up to 15 cm in length and can live for 5-8 years with proper care. Their vibrant colours make them a popular choice for aquarists looking to add a dynamic touch to their tank.

Aquarium Care:

To successfully keep Rainbow Sharks, it’s essential to provide a large, spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places like caves, tunnels, and hollowed décor. These hiding spots help mitigate their territorial behaviour, especially towards other bottom-dwelling fish. Rainbow Sharks are active swimmers and spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank, where they also serve as efficient algae eaters, helping to keep the substrate clean.

Tank Mates:

While Rainbow Sharks generally coexist peacefully with fish that dwell in the upper levels of the tank, they are known for being aggressive towards other bottom dwellers, including their own kind. This aggression can manifest as biting, chasing, and head-and-tail butting. To reduce these behaviours, ensure your aquarium is long with ample space for the Rainbow Shark to establish its territory and swim freely.

Feeding & Nutrition:

Rainbow Sharks are omnivores and require a varied diet to stay healthy. They will readily eat algae, sinking pellets, and flakes, but their diet should also be supplemented with fresh vegetables and protein-rich foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia. Feeding them twice daily, with only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes, will help maintain their health and vibrant colour.

Breeding Information:

Breeding Rainbow Sharks in captivity is challenging due to their territorial nature. They typically require very specific water conditions and ample space to breed successfully, which can be difficult to replicate in a home aquarium. As such, most Rainbow Sharks available in the aquarium trade are bred in controlled environments.

FAQs:

What size tank is best for Rainbow Sharks?
A long tank of at least 120 litres is recommended to provide enough space for swimming and territorial behaviour.

Can Rainbow Sharks live with other fish?
Yes, but they should be housed with species that dwell in the upper or middle levels of the tank. Avoid keeping them with other bottom dwellers or similar-sized fish to reduce aggression.

How often should I feed my Rainbow Shark?
Feed them twice daily with a varied diet, including algae, pellets, flakes, and protein-rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.

Are Rainbow Sharks easy to breed?
Breeding Rainbow Sharks in home aquariums is difficult due to their specific requirements and territorial nature.

How long do Rainbow Sharks live?
With proper care, Rainbow Sharks can live up to 5-8 years in captivity.

Species Overview:

• Species: Epalzeorhynchos frenatus
• Common Name: Rainbow Shark
• Origin: Thailand
• Diet: Omnivore
• PH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
• Temperature: Tropical 24-27°C
• Max Size: Approximately 15 cm
• Sex: Un-sexed