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Basics

Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos frenatus

Family: Cyprinidae

Origin: Southeast Asia

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Lifespan: 4-6 years
• Water Conditions: 72-79° F, KH 10-15, pH 6.5-7.5
• Maximum Size: 6"
• Diet: Omnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Overview

Rainbow Sharks, despite their common name, are not members of the shark family. They are dark silver, grey or charcoal in color and have bright orange or red finnage. The snout is pointed and they have two tiny barbels. The albino variant has a yellowish white body with red pupils and still retains red finnage. 

They require a tank with plenty of swimming space as they are active swimmers and if overcrowded may pick on other fish. They should have hiding places as well. While they can be housed with most other community fish, they should never be housed with other members of their own species as they will aggressively harass each other, sometimes until one of them dies. 

They are omnivorous and can be fed a wide variety of pellet, flake, live and frozen foods including brine shrimp, bloodworms, tubifex and vegetable based foods.