Care
Native to rivers and streams that flood seasonally, this fish has disappeared in the wild thanks to pollution and habitat loss. In contrast, they've been popular aquarium fish for decades.
Red-tailed black sharks can be very territorial, and in a small aquarium they should be kept as a single specimen with no similar species. A far better way to keep these fish is as a large, rowdy group in a well-furnished set up in a similar way to some of the more boisterous barbs. Hiding places amongst rocky caves, bogwood and live plants will be very much appreciated. This primarily bottom-dwelling species mixes well with barbs, danios, rainbow fish and tetras, etc, that occupy a higher level in the tank. Despite their name, these are not predatory fish and will generally ignore small tankmates. Although it might seem surprising, considerably smaller companion species are more likely to be ignored as they don't illicit the same aggression. May look pale or washed-out in your dealers" stock tanks, but will darken to a jet black once settled into the home aquarium. An albino variety is sometimes available.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, flake, green flake, algae wafers, algae growing in the tank, vegetable matter, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
The Red-tailed Black Shark is an egglaying species, but few details are available of natural spawnings. This is likely to be due to their intolerance of each other in the confines of the average aquarium.
