Moderate
Red Tail Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)
23–26°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 120L
£5.19
The rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) is an active, territorial cyprinid with a dark grey body and bright red fins, up to about 15 cm. One fish per quantity in the size you choose, for an aquarium with a base of at least 120 × 45 cm at 24–26°C.
Albino Rainbow SharkAlgae GrazerBottom DwellerEpalzeorhynchos frenatumFreshwater FishModerate CareRainbow SharkTerritorial
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Max Adult Size
up to 15 cm
Care Level
Intermediate
Temperament
Territorial towards its own kind
Temperature
24–26°C
pH Range
6.5–8
Hardness
5–12 dGH
Minimum Tank
243L
Diet
Omnivore: sinking pellets, algae foods, vegetables and frozen foods
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Temperature
24–26°C
24°CIdeal26°C
pH Level
6.5–8
6.5Ideal8
Water Hardness
5–12 dGH
5 dGHIdeal12 dGH
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum)
Territorial
£5.99
Shoal Pricing
— save up to 30%Shoaling fish: kept in a group they feel safer, stay calmer and show their best colour.
Your shoal
£48.00You save £11.90
Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.
Read our reviews on Google (opens Google Business Profile in a new tab) or see verified buyer reviews and photos. Human support, careful packing and clear delivery updates for live aquatics.
The rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) is an active, territorial cyprinid with a dark grey body and bright red fins, up to about 15 cm. One fish per quantity in the size you choose, for an aquarium with a base of at least 120 × 45 cm at 24–26°C.
Albino Rainbow SharkAlgae GrazerBottom DwellerEpalzeorhynchos frenatumFreshwater FishModerate CareRainbow SharkTerritorial
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Max Adult Size
up to 15 cm
Care Level
Intermediate
Temperament
Territorial towards its own kind
Temperature
24–26°C
pH Range
6.5–8
Hardness
5–12 dGH
Minimum Tank
243L
Diet
Omnivore: sinking pellets, algae foods, vegetables and frozen foods
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
24–26°C
24°CIdeal26°C
pH Level
6.5–8
6.5Ideal8
Water Hardness
5–12 dGH
5 dGHIdeal12 dGH
The classic dark rainbow shark with bright red fins
The rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum), also sold as the red-finned shark, is not a true shark but a member of the carp family (Cyprinidae) from rivers of mainland Southeast Asia. This listing is the natural colour form: a slender grey to dark blue-grey body, a dark stripe from the snout through the eye and bright orange-red fins. Compare the separate albino rainbow shark listing if you want that colour form; it is not interchangeable when ordering.
Rainbow sharks are active and territorial, especially towards their own kind and similar-looking fish, so most aquariums should keep just one.
| Scientific name | Epalzeorhynchos frenatum |
|---|---|
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Origin | Rivers of mainland Southeast Asia |
| Adult size | Up to about 15 cm |
| Temperature | 24–26°C |
| pH | 6.5–8.0 |
| Hardness | 5–12 dGH |
| Aquarium | Base of at least 120 × 45 cm (about 243 litres) for one fish |
| Sold as | One fish per quantity, in the size you choose |
What you receive
Choose the size, then the quantity: one quantity is one live rainbow shark. Because they are territorial, keep one per aquarium unless the tank is very large and well divided.
Aquarium and water
A mature aquarium with a base of at least 120 × 45 cm (about 243 litres) for one fish, with roots, rocks, caves and plants to break up lines of sight, good filtration and a tight lid. Keep 24–26°C, pH 6.5–8.0 and 5–12 dGH, the overlap of FishBase, Seriously Fish and OATA guidance.
Feeding
An omnivore that grazes biofilm: feed sinking pellets or wafers with algae-based foods and blanched vegetables, plus frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp a few times a week.
Tank mates and behaviour
Best with active, robust mid- and upper-water fish such as danios, barbs and rainbowfish. Avoid other rainbow sharks and the Red Tail Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor), similar territorial bottom-dwellers, and small or slow fish. The link is an identity comparison, not a tank-mate recommendation.
Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the fish
Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.
- Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
- Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the fish can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
- Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
- Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the fish without adding transport water to the established system.
If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a real shark?
No. It is a member of the carp family named for its shark-like shape and dorsal fin.
Can I keep more than one?
Usually not. Rainbow sharks are territorial towards their own kind; keep one per aquarium.
Is this the albino form?
No. This listing is the natural dark form with red fins; the albino rainbow shark is a separate listing.
What water does it need?
24–26°C, pH 6.5–8.0 and 5–12 dGH in a mature aquarium with a base of at least 120 × 45 cm.
Public references
- FishBase: Epalzeorhynchos frenatum — identity, native range and size.
- Seriously Fish: Epalzeorhynchos frenatum — aquarium size, water and behaviour.
- OATA: How to look after freshwater sharks — territory, aquarium size and tank-mate guidance.
- RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.
Customer Reviews
No reviews for this item yet. Bought one? Honest reviews only, good or bad.
What customers say about ordering from us
4.6 on Google Maps, rated 4.6 out of 5 (opens in a new tab)4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them, rated 4.4 out of 5
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
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