Labeo bicolor: A Siamese Treasure

by Jim Greenwald

While it's not a Hollywood star Yul Brenner, the Red-tailed Shark, Labeo bicolor is a terrific fish for the home aquarium.

Also known as the Red-tailed Black Shark, Labeo bicolor is an aquarium favorite. Of course, they are not true Sharks. They are in the family of Cyprinidae along with fish like Goldfish and Carp. The body of the fish is jet black. Some fins may be tipped in white and, as its common name suggests, the caudal fin is red. Older or unhealthy specimens may be faded in color.

Since the Red-tailed Shark grows to five inches it is best to provide the fish with an aquarium of at least thirty gallons. In their natural habitat of Thailand they enjoy swimming in fast-flowing streams and canals, so a strong water current and filtration is advised. The aquarium should be decorated with dense vegetation and rocks or pieces of driftwood. Because they can be aggressive, especially towards their own kind, Red-tailed Sharks should be kept one to a tank. Tank mates must be capable of fending for themselves.

As far as feeding goes, Labeo bicolor is omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of live foods, algae, lettuce and prepared flake or pellet foods. Sinking food is preferred, as their mouths are under-turned like those of Loaches and Catfish.

Water chemistry is important so keep the water's pH slightly base, in the 7.0-7.5 range. Keep the water quality high through good biological filtration. It would be best to keep the temperature between 72 and 80 degrees F.

As far as breeding is concerned, Labeo bicolor is generally not known as easy to breed in the home aquarium. If two of the species decide to mate, they will be seen making odd swimming motions around each other. The male darts about and 30 or more eggs are laid in and among the plants. Hatching occurs tow or more days later.