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Rainbow Shark, lat. Epalzeorhynchos frenatus


Order: Cypriniformes;
Family: Cyprinidae;
Genus: Epalzeorhynchos;
Species and synonyms: Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatus, Epalzeorhynchos frenatum, Rainbow Shark, Red Fin Shark Carp, Ruby Shark, Labeo frenatus).

GBIF: Epalzeorhynchos frenatum (Fowler, 1934)

Rainbow Shark (lat. Epalzeorhynchos frenatus) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cypriniformes, family Cyprinidae, genus Epalzeorhynchos. A popular aquarium fish also known as the Red-finned Shark or Ruby Shark.

Distribution. The natural range of the Rainbow Shark covers rivers and streams of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The fish prefer clear, fast-flowing waters with rocky or sandy bottoms, often found in foothills and areas with strong currents. It has been recorded as an introduced species in some countries.

Care requirements. The Rainbow Shark is an active fish that grows up to 12–15 cm in the aquarium. To keep a group (3–5 specimens), an aquarium of at least 150 liters with a length of 100 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–27°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration, good aeration and water flow created by a powerhead are important. Weekly water changes of 20–25% are mandatory. Stones, driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom, sand or fine gravel is used as substrate. Plants should have large, tough leaves.

Rainbow Sharks are omnivorous, with plant foods forming the basis of their diet: algae, blanched lettuce leaves, spinach, zucchini. Additionally, they are given live and frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp), as well as high-quality dry flakes and granules. Juvenile fish are effective at eating algae, but with age, interest in plant food decreases.

In the aquarium, Rainbow Sharks are active in the lower and middle water layers. They are territorial and can show aggression towards conspecifics and other fish, especially in cramped aquariums. Recommended tankmates include barbs, danios, rasboras, large tetras, loaches and other active fish. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving or too small fish, as well as with veiltail forms.

Breeding in home aquariums is difficult due to the specific nature of spawning. In nature, spawning occurs during the rainy season in fast-flowing rivers. Sexual differences are weakly expressed: females become fuller-bodied during the spawning period. In aquarium keeping, breeding usually uses hormonal stimulation in specialized farms.

The Rainbow Shark differs from the closely related species Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus (Flying Fox) by its brighter coloration: it has a black body with red fins and a characteristic red caudal fin. Juvenile fish have brighter coloration, which may fade with age. Life expectancy is 8–10 years.