Image – Wikimedia/Astellar87
El Bicolor Labeo fish (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor), also commonly known as black shark fish o red-tailed shark, is one of the most peculiar and striking fish in the aquatic world. This fish belongs to the family Cyprinidae and is found primarily in the rivers of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. Unfortunately, the Labeo Bicolor has been classified as an endangered species in its natural habitat, although controlled breeding in captivity is quite common, allowing it to remain popular among aquarists.
Characteristics of the Bicolor Labeo Fish
El black shark fish It is distinguished by its elongated and slightly laterally compressed body, which gives it a hydrodynamic appearance ideal for swimming in waters with fast currents. In its mouth, it has two pairs of barbels that it uses both to detect and to search for food in the substrate. In addition, a visual characteristic that gives them the name 'shark' is their dorsal fin, very similar to that of marine sharks.
Its coloring is another of its main attractions: its body is completely matte black and its tail is a deep red that stands out in a surprising way. There are other variations of this species, such as an albino variant, in which the body is white instead of black, but it maintains the same vibrant red color in the caudal fin.
Sexual Dimorphism
El sexual dimorphism between males and females is subtle but noticeable to the experienced eye. In general, females tend to be more corpulent and larger than males. In addition, their color is usually paler. Another differentiator is that the dorsal fin In females it ends in a right angle, while in males it is more pointed.
Natural Habitat of the Bicolor Labeo
Originally, the black shark fish was widely distributed in the rivers of Thailand, mainly in water systems such as the Chao Phraya and There is a KlongThey are found in fast-flowing habitats with substrates of sand, stones and dense aquatic vegetation. Their diet in nature includes all types of small invertebrates, vegetation and phytoplankton.
Unfortunately, due to overfishing and habitat destruction, the Bicolor Labeo It has disappeared from many of the areas it once inhabited, and has therefore been classified as endangered in its natural environment.
Aquarium Care
Image – Wikimedia/Astellar87
Keep in mind that this type of fish needs a aquarium of at least 150 liters due to its size in captivity, which can reach up to 15 cm. The aquarium should recreate its natural habitat as much as possible, so it is ideal to have plants, logs and rocks that serve as hiding places. However, it is essential to also leave enough space for it to swim freely.
To ensure the well-being of your black shark fish, it is advisable to maintain stable parameters in the water. temperature optimum for this fish is between 23 and 27 °C, while the pH of water should be between 6.5 and 7.5, and water hardness should be maintained between 9 and 16 dH.
- Temperature: 23°C to 27°C.
- pH: Between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Hardness: 9 – 16 dH.
Behavior and Sociability
El Bicolor Labeo It's a fish territorial, solitary and very active. Although it can live with other species, it is recommended that it not be kept with others of the same species, as they tend to be extremely aggressive towards each other. In community aquariums, it can live with species that are of similar size, such as Botias, Barbels and other cyprinids, as long as there is enough space for them to delimit their territories.
Its behaviour includes chasing other fish if they invade its territory, but it rarely causes them any harm. It usually stays in the lower and middle levels of the aquarium, searching for food in the substrate and marking out its space.
Meals
Omnivore By nature, the black shark fish accepts a wide range of foods. Its diet should include dry foods (flakes, pellets), live foods (tubifex, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, etc.) and plant supplements such as spinach o seaweedIt is also advisable to include spirulina in your diet to ensure your well-being.
In captivity, it is important to offer a varied diet to prevent this fish from nibbling and damaging the aquarium plants. It is a fish that feeds primarily on the bottom of the aquarium, so you can offer it sinking foods.
Reproduction
La Reproduction of the Labeo Bicolor In captivity, breeding is extremely difficult and has only been achieved on very few occasions. In some cases, injections of carp hypophysis in mature specimens. However, these methods are complicated and not always successful.
During the reproduction process, the female can lay up to 1000 eggs, which must be kept in constant movement to prevent them from sinking and becoming non-viable. The fry are born pale in colour, but as they grow, they acquire the characteristic colouring of the adults, with a black body and red tail.
Common diseases
Despite being a fairly resistant species, the Bicolor Labeo can be affected by some common diseases in aquarium fish, such as White Point (Ich) and the fin rot. The Stress Derived from poor aquarium conditions, such as sudden temperature changes or poor water quality, can make the fish more prone to these diseases.
It is easy to notice when a Labeo Bicolor is stressed or sick, as its coloration often becomes paler than normal. To avoid these problems, it is crucial to maintain the water quality within the parameters mentioned above, ensuring that the aquarium has good filtration and water circulation.
In the long term, a well-maintained aquarium and a balanced diet will ensure that your black shark fish stays healthy and can enjoy a long and active life, with a life expectancy that can reach 1000 years. 17 years in captivity if given proper care.