Rainbow Shark Size report
Rainbow shark (scientific name: Epalzeorhynchus frenatus) is native to Thailand. Among the many species of tropical fish, the rainbow shark is a medium-to-large species. Because of its strong adaptability and relatively low requirements for water quality, rainbow sharks have become a popular aquarium fish species in recent years.
Rainbow sharks are renowned for their unique appearance and close resemblance with large ocean sharks. But they are actually freshwater fish. These fish have a distinctive appearance: long, dark bodies, pointed snouts and a flat abdomen. Their fins are typically red or orange in color.
Surprisingly, Rainbow Sharks are closely related to goldfish and carps. This is an active fish that is also beautiful, easily making it a centerpiece fish in an aquarium. People can see them swim slowly in the tank all day. If you are considering raising some rainbow sharks, you'd better read the following article to know more about this small and fancy fish.
Rainbow Shark General Descriptions
Rainbow sharks have remained a popular aquarium fish for decades and continue to dazzle many fish keepers with a shark-like appearance. While they aren’t true sharks, their triangular dorsal fin and body shape resembles a shark. They are native to the warm Indochinese rivers of Mekong, Chao Phraya, Xe Bangfai and Maeklong. They usually swim slow, but they are able to swim in very fast bursts as well if they need to. Their brightly colored red fins stand out against their black body.
Quick Facts
Common Name(s) | Rainbow fish |
Scientific Name | Epalzeorhynchos frenatum |
Origin | Southeast Asia |
Size | 6 inches (15 cm) to 8 inches (20.3 cm) |
Minimum Tank Size | minimum 55 gallons |
Lifespan | up to 8 years |
Temperature | 75-80°F (24-27°C) |
Water pH | 6.0-8.0 |
Breeding | Breeding pair spawn eggs |
Food | Omnivorous bottom feeder |
Appearance
Rainbow sharks are well known for their red or orange fins, which gives them their name. Rainbow sharks have shark-like elongated bodies and flat bellies; their body is either black, blue, or gray. Another physical characteristic of the rainbow shark is a particularly broad dorsal fin and two whiskers on its mouth.
There are some color variations between males and females. For example, males tend to have brighter red or orange fins than females. Males will also have thin gray lines on their tail fins, while females will not have any lines. There is no difference between juvenile male and female rainbow sharks, but these become apparent as the fish mature.
Average Size
A rainbow shark is normally no more than 6" (15 cm) long. Some have grown to be as long as 8" (20.3 cm) in length; this larger size applies to both regular rainbow sharks and albino rainbow sharks. Both males and females tend to be about the same size in length. But males are a little more slender.
Behavior and Feeding
Rainbow sharks are passive in the wild and don't bully or bother other fish. However, they have aggressive and territorial tendencies, especially if there isn't enough room in the tank. They will be territorial fish with aggressive behavior toward smaller fish. Adults swim quickly around the bottom of the tank and are most active at night. Juveniles are timid and always hide.
Rainbow sharks are omnivorous fish, mainly feeding small benthic animals, moss, algae, vegetable leaves, artificial compound feed, etc. When the environment is unfavorable, or the bait lacks, it will also be reflected in the body color.
Breeding
Rainbow sharks usually breed pair spawns around October to November, but they are considered difficult to breed. The rainbow sharks will have grown to 1/2" to 1" between two and four weeks. It can take several weeks or even months to reach their full size. A rainbow shark's usual lifetime is between four and six years, while some have been known to survive up to eight years. That is a lot longer than other aquarium fish. The quality of your tank's water will determine how long your rainbow shark lives.
Rainbow Shark Care
The natural habitat of rainbow sharks is warm, freshwater rivers with sandy substrate. Rainbow Sharks require a minimum tank size of 55 gallons. These fish require adequate space since they can have a semi-aggressive temperament and become very territorial. The more space you provide, the less aggressive and territorial the fish are. Since they are benthopelagic fish, they prefer food that sinks. Sinking pellets and algae wafers are great choices. Although these fish have low water quality requirements, they require consistent water parameters to thrive in their environment. A consistent pH is critical to avoid stressing the fish or causing disease.