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Red-fin Shark, Rainbow Shark, Ruby Shark
This fish has a more pointed snout than some of the other fish species.
The belly has a relatively flat profile and the caudal fin is forked. The
body color is gray brown to black, with an occasional violet iridescence.
The fins are orange-red to red. The rear parts of the anal fin of males are
black. A short stripe extends from the gill cover, through the eye, and to
the snout. These are a delightful fish to keep but I only recommend
keeping one to a tank. They grow to 5.5" (14 cm) and they originate
from the Mekong River in Thailand. They inhabit the middle to bottom
areas of the tank.
A tank with a volume of 30 gallons (114 L) is adequate and their water
parameter requirements are pH 6.2-7.5 (7.0), 2-15 dH (10), with
temperatures of at least 73-79°F (23-26°C).
As mentioned earlier these fish can be territorial and an intolerant fish,
especially of its own and co-similar species. This fish can be kept in a
community tank with robust, dissimilar species. Each fish will establish
a territory and defend it against all intruders. It is possible to keep more
than one specimen in a larger tank but I do not recommend it.
They thrive when fed foods including Algae; flakes; tablets; vegetables;
lettuce, spinach; live; insect larvae, Tubifex, crustaceans, aquatic insects.
When sexing these fish keep in mind that males are smaller with brighter
colors. The anal fin is outlined with a black marking. These fish are
difficult to breed but not impossible.
There is an albino species available.
