In many cases the Flying Fox is purchased in mistake for the Siamese Flying Fox Crossocheilus siamensis. It also shares the common aggressiveness found in many of the sharks - a pair of these fish will continually fight, and individual specimens will harass weaker tank mates. The Flying Fox is a sleek looking fish with a central dark bar along the entire length of the body, growing up to 15cm. The differences in behaviour and size between these two fish however, are not significant enough to cause concern.Īlthough not sharing the common 'shark' name, the Flying Fox Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus belongs to the same group of fish as the Ruby and RTBS. The Ruby Shark is often confused with the Rainbow Shark Epalzeorhynchos frenatus, which sports a lighter grey body and slightly different fin shape. Although still a little territorial, the Ruby Shark is much more sociable and with the exception of very delicate fish, can be kept in community aquariums. Typical smaller 'community' fish, timid species, or slow moving fish will not fare well against a RTBS.Ī good alternative to the RTBS is the Ruby Shark Epalzeorhynchos erythrurus, a similar looking fish with a slightly lighter and more slender body, and red colouration on all the fins. If it is able to, a rogue RTBS will dominate an entire tank, terrorising and harassing the other fish, especially in smaller aquaria.Ī RTBS however, will only pick on the easy targets - mix a red tail with fish unlikely to feel threatened or run away, and the red tail will soon stop trying, or at least cause little more than an occasional squabble.įor this fish, robust tank mates like large barbs, peaceful cichlids, and rainbowfish are the ideal choices. Perhaps the best recognised of the sharks is the Red-Tailed Black Shark (RTBS) Epalzeorhynchos bicolor The jet-black colour of the solidly shaped body perfectly shows off the fish's well-defined 'shark-like' finnage and bright red tail, and it is this appearance that has made the fish so popular.Īlthough often sold as a community fish, many fish keepers have since learnt better.
In the wrong environment however, some of the freshwater sharks can become your worst nightmare. The freshwater sharks however, can be quite a handful in their own right, and should always be chosen with care.įreshwater sharks have plenty of character and presence and in the right environment, a freshwater shark can be a great addition to the home aquarium. The 'shark' name comes not from any relation to marine sharks but from the fishes well-defined fins, particularly the shark-like dorsal fin, and the sleek body shape. The small group of tropical freshwater fish known by their common name of 'sharks' have very little relation to the large predators of the oceans, but they are still an interesting group of aquarium fish Author: Think Fish Last updated: 15 June 2013 05:46
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