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Red Tailed Black Shark Labio Bicolor
Size: up to 5 inches Red-tailed Black Sharks originate from Thailand, and grow up to five inches (twelve centimetres) in length. They are closely related to the much larger Black Shark (Morulius chrysophekadion), which is more robust and attains a length of two feet (sixty centimetres). Red-tailed Black Sharks are a rather territorial fish, and will occasionally chase other fish that come too close. They are particularly quarrelsome with other individuals of their own species. As such, they are not the best choice of fish for the community aquarium, unless it is a fairly large tank with plenty of cover and hiding places, which these fish like to shelter amongst. They are not really fussy as regards water conditions (pH, hardness and temperature), so slightly acid to slightly alkaline, soft to medium hard, and around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27 degrees Celsius), give or take a few degrees, will suit them fine. They will eat most live, fresh, frozen and dried foods, but should be given a reasonable amount of vegetable-based foods, as they are partially vegetarian by nature. They do not belong to the same family as the Shark but they do have some of the characteristics, torpedo shaped and the way they display their dorsal fin. Family name of Cyprinidae and the same sub family. This family includes such fish as Koi and Barbs. Noticeable feature is the mouth barbels, a bit like whiskers. Sand is the preferred habitat substrate such ad BD sand, sold in the shop. Like me, a power filter is preferable to UG filtration. Indeed, if you have a sand aquarium, you cannot use UG filtration. Keep the aquarium well stocked with hiding places such as under rock formations or bogwood. Plenty of plants also are well liked by the Red Tail. Food requirements include both meat and vegetation, as this beauty is an omnivore. Flake foods supplemented with blood worm are a good way to feed them. They are territorial and can be a bit pushy towards other inhabitants of the tank, but not, in my experience, necessarily aggressive. They also like plenty of open swimming space, so try to plan your aquarium accordingly. Grow up to 5 inches, suggesting a minimum of a 24" tank; preferably bigger. Ph range of 6 to 7 with hardness up to 15GH. Breeding has been known but most come in from Singapore. When looking for a specimen, do not be put off if they appear more grey than black - this is due to them being with other sharks and will darken appreciably when in their own environment. 2008: When I first started keeping these in the 1970s, they were really placid and easy going. But I have noted over the past 10-12 years that they are becoming more aggressive. In particular, I have observed a strong dislike to Sucking Loaches!! They will hound and chase them, even in my spacious 48x15x18 community tank. My current specimen, a beautiful full grown shark, has had to be relegated to my albino toad, Japanese newt tank below, as his aggressive tendencies were decidedly unsettling for the other fish. He in now happy and quiet in an unheated 36 inch tank!
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All information on this site is provided by the webmaster and, should there be a pricing error, it is my fault and not the shop or its staff. Any prices marked on stock shown on these pages were correct at the time the image was taken. If you have a question regarding the site Click to email me Erdington Aquatics 97-99 Church Road Erdington Birmingham B24 9BE England Telephone: 0121 373 1100 |
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