Rainbow Shark

Author : Efrain Silva

Their Appearance

These small fish come in gray and red most of the time. They also come in variants of white, orange, and light bluish teal mixed in with these main two colors. Their fins are usually bright red as well ; in some cases, such as with Albino Rainbow Sharks, these fins may be of darker red to black complexions, respectively (their pupils being bright red as well).

How They’re Known

Ready to hear the original name these guys were given? Prepare yourself : It’s a mouthful. These ‘Rainbow Shark’ are scientifically classified as Epalzeorhynchos Frenatum.

Some also call them any of these following more common names :

• Ruby Sharks
• Red - Fin Sharks
• (OR) Red - Finned Sharks
• Rainbow Shark Minnows
• Green Labeos
• Whitefin Sharks
• Whitetail Shark Minnows

Now why do people tend to call these small types of fish sharks? A good question. Take a look online at the small complexion and body contour of these fish, and you will notice that they look like sharks, but in miniature form.

These guys are also known as peaceful when in the wild ; not when in an aquarium, it’s commonly known that they tend to start fights with others in the tank, even others of their own kind. They dwell on the bottom of tanks and aquariums. Occasionally, they also prefer the mid - level — they are true bottom - dwellers primarily.

Their Diet

These fish are omnivorous, so in short, they eat both plants and meat. (I guess it’s whatever’s available and whatever they’re in the mood for.) They can eat zooplankton, other types of ‘small meat chunks’, insect larvae, multiple types of algae, and even decaying plants. They can even more easily consume their algae by flakes or wafers, should you choose to feed them that way. You can even give them some lettuce and spinach as well.

Good “Roommates” for Them

Good roommates (or should I say, “tankmates”) for these bottom - dwelling, territorial types of fish could be rainbowfish. Barbs work nicely as well. These two types of fish, in particular, are middle - level dwellers and top - level dwellers, and will not interfere with the personal space of the Rainbow Sharks. Just avoid putting your Rainbow Sharks in with some other smaller, more timid types of fish that perhaps prefer the bottom levels of the tank — or there could be a few “territorial disputes”, and that’s putting it gently.

Loaches work fine. As do plecos. Gouramis and rasboras are suitable tankmates, too.

Other Short Facts to Keep in Mind

Rainbow Sharks are freshwater fish. They originate in the more South Eastern parts of Asia, respectively, and are of the Cyprinidae family. They are actinopterygii, not like full - sized actual sharks, which are less ray - finned and more cartilaginous.

Like what you’ve heard, thus far? Then wait no longer — go and pick up a small school of Rainbow Sharks today. And remember : They like to dwell near the bottom of the tank, so respect their privacy!