Have you ever wondered how big do redtail sharks get? Redtail sharks are a popular species of aquarium fish due to their attractive appearance and aggressive behavior. While these fish are relatively small, they can still grow to be quite large in the right environment. In this article, we will explore the size of redtail sharks and provide you with everything you need to know about aquarium care for these amazing creatures.
Understanding Redtail Sharks
- Size: The average length of redtail sharks is between 4 and 6 inches and they can reach up to 8 inches.
- Color: Redtail sharks have a black body with a red tail, hence their name.
- Diet: Redtail sharks are omnivores and will eat all types of food such as live and frozen, flake, and sinking pellet food.
- Aquarium: Redtail sharks prefer a tank of at least 30 gallons or more with plenty of hiding places and a secure lid.
- Temperature: Redtail sharks prefer a temperature range between 72°F and 82°F.
- pH: Redtail sharks prefer a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Compatibility: Redtail sharks are aggressive and should not be kept with other aggressive fish.
- Breeding: Redtail sharks are difficult to breed in captivity and are rarely successful.
Size of Redtail Sharks
Redtail sharks typically grow to be between 8-10 inches long. They can reach larger sizes in captivity, however, as they can grow up to 14-15 inches. The most common size for these fish is around 10 inches. It is important to make sure that the aquarium they are kept in is large enough to accommodate their adult size. It is recommended to have a tank of at least 40 gallons for a single Redtail shark. If more than one is kept together, a larger tank of at least 75 gallons is needed.
Redtail sharks can also vary in size depending on their species. The most common species that are kept in aquariums is the Epalzeorhynchos bicolor, which usually reaches the 8-10 inch size range. The other species which can also be seen in aquariums is the Epalzeorhynchos frenatum, which is smaller, usually reaching about 6-7 inches in size.
In general, it is best to assume that Redtail sharks will reach their full size and plan accordingly. It is important to provide them with the proper environment to ensure that they stay healthy and are able to grow to their full potential.
Life Span of Redtail Sharks
Redtail Sharks are a popular fish species in the aquarium hobby, and with good reason. They are hardy, have unique colorations, and have a relatively long lifespan of up to 10 years. Here are a few tips to help ensure your Redtail Sharks live a long and healthy life:
- Careful Feeding: Redtail Sharks should be fed a diet of high-quality flakes and freeze-dried foods. Feed them only what they can consume in a few minutes to avoid overfeeding.
- Proper Water Quality: Redtail Sharks require clean and well-oxygenated water to stay healthy. Be sure to perform regular water changes and maintain a healthy pH and temperature level.
- Compatible Tankmates: Redtail Sharks are known to be aggressive, so they should be kept with compatible tankmates such as other Redtail Sharks or other fish of similar size.
By following these tips and providing the proper care, you can help ensure your Redtail Sharks live a long and healthy life.
Habitat of Redtail Sharks
Redtail Sharks naturally inhabit the tropical areas of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They live in fast-moving waters with limited vegetation, preferring to inhabit areas of a stream or river that are slightly deeper.
They are typically found in areas of the river or stream with rocky substrates, such as gravel and boulders, and plenty of hiding spots such as caves and crevices.
Ideal Tank Conditions:
- pH level: 6.0 – 8.0
- Water Hardness: 5 – 20 dKH
- Temperature: 75 – 86°F
- Tank Size: 30 gallons for one fish
- Substrate: Sand or gravel
- Decor: Smooth rocks, driftwood, and plants
Feeding and Care of Redtail Sharks
Redtail Sharks are omnivorous, meaning they need a balanced diet of meat and plant-based foods. A quality flake or pellet food provides the foundation of their diet, supplemented with frozen and live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Redtail Sharks prefer to hunt their food, so it is important to spread it out over the tank and to provide plenty of hiding places.
Redtail Sharks are territorial and should not be kept with other tankmates. They do best in an aquarium that is at least 55 gallons with plenty of hiding places. The tank should be well-filtered and have a sandy substrate. A good filtration system and regular water changes are essential to keep the water clean and the fish healthy.
Redtail Sharks are sensitive to water quality and should be tested regularly. The water should be kept within the following parameters: pH levels between 6.5 and 8.5, temperature between 72°F and 78°F, and hardness between 5°dGH and 12°dGH.
| Food | Frequency |
|---|---|
| High quality flake or pellet food | Daily |
| Frozen and live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia) | 2-3 times a week |
Breeding and Reproduction of Redtail Sharks
Redtail Sharks are generally easy to breed in captivity and have a moderate gestation period of about 3-4 months. The breeding process requires a dedicated and knowledgeable aquarist, as the sharks can become aggressive during mating.
Reproduction:
- The female Redtail Shark will produce up to 300 eggs over a period of several weeks.
- The eggs are externally fertilized by the male, who will swim around the female and release sperm to fertilize the eggs.
- Once the eggs are fertilized, the female will lay them in a hidden spot, usually in the substrate or in a cave.
- The eggs will hatch after about 3-4 weeks, depending on the temperature of the water.
- The young sharks will be about 1-1.5 inches in length, and will need to be fed a diet of small live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.
Care of Young Sharks:
- The young sharks should be kept in a separate aquarium to avoid aggression from adult sharks.
- The aquarium should be well-oxygenated and have plenty of hiding places.
- The water temperature should be kept between 75-80°F and the pH should be kept between 6.5-7.5.
Conclusion: Breeding and reproduction of Redtail Sharks is relatively easy in captivity, but requires a dedicated and knowledgeable aquarist. The female will lay up to 300 eggs, which will be fertilized by the male. The eggs will hatch after about 3-4 weeks, and the young sharks should be kept in a separate aquarium with plenty of hiding places and optimal water parameters.
Health and Common Diseases of Redtail Sharks
Redtail Sharks are generally very hardy fish and can be kept in good health in a well-maintained aquarium. However, they are susceptible to a few common diseases, including:
- Ich: This is a common infection in many freshwater aquarium fish and is caused by parasites. Ich often appears as white spots on the body and fins of the fish and can be treated with a commercial ich treatment or by raising the temperature of the tank and doing a partial water change.
- Fin Rot: Fin rot is caused by bacterial infections and is often a result of poor water quality. Symptoms of fin rot include frayed, discolored fins, and can be treated with antibiotics.
- Hole in the Head Disease: This is a common disease in many freshwater fish, including Redtail Sharks, and is caused by poor water quality and poor diet. Symptoms include lesions on the head and body, and can be treated with antibiotics and improved water conditions.
- Velvet Disease: Velvet Disease is caused by a parasitic infection and is often characterized by a yellowish-brown dust-like coating on the body of the fish. It can easily be treated with a commercial velvet treatment.
It is important to maintain good water quality and provide a healthy diet to prevent these common diseases. Regular water testing and partial water changes can help keep your Redtail Shark healthy and happy.
Aquarium Care of Redtail Sharks
Redtail Sharks are a great addition to any home aquarium. They are relatively hardy and can adapt to a wide range of water parameters, making them a great choice for beginners. However, proper care must be taken to ensure their health and wellbeing. Here is what you need to know about aquarium care of redtail sharks:
- Provide plenty of hiding spots. Redtail sharks are shy and need plenty of places to hide. Provide rocks, caves, and other structures to ensure they can feel secure.
- Maintain a temperature between 72-78°F (22-25°C).
- Keep pH between 6.5 and 8.0.
- Use a good filtration system to keep the water clean and healthy.
- Perform regular water changes of at least 25% every 4 weeks.
- Provide a balanced diet. Redtail sharks prefer live food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other small aquatic invertebrates. They can also eat frozen and flake foods.
- Keep the aquarium lights off during the day. Redtail sharks prefer dimmer lighting, so keep the lights off during the day.
With proper care and maintenance, your redtail shark can live a long and healthy life. Make sure to regularly monitor the water parameters and provide a balanced diet to ensure your redtail shark stays happy and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Average Size of a Redtail Shark?
Redtail sharks, also known as redtail catsharks, are a species of small, bottom-dwelling sharks native to the Indo-West Pacific. They typically reach a maximum length of around 24 inches (60 cm). In captivity, they may grow slightly larger, with specimens up to 28 inches (70 cm) reported.
Redtail sharks are popular aquarium fish, but due to their size, they should be kept in tanks of at least 55 gallons (208 liters). They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other fish and invertebrates provided they are not significantly smaller.
What Kind of Tank Should I Use to House a Redtail Shark?
Redtail sharks require a large tank to swim and explore. The minimum tank size should be at least 75 gallons. You should also consider the other tank mates and their size as redtail sharks may become territorial. Make sure the tank has plenty of live plants and caves they can hide in if they feel threatened. Lastly, make sure to provide plenty of oxygenation as these fish require strong water currents.
How Often Should I Feed a Redtail Shark?
- Smaller Redtail Sharks: Feed them every other day with a variety of foods.
- Larger Redtail Sharks: Feed them every 2-3 days with a variety of foods.
- Special Considerations: If your aquarium is densely populated with other fish, feed the redtail shark every three days.
Redtail sharks should be fed a variety of foods that includes meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and krill as well as vegetable-based foods such as algae wafers, blanched spinach, and Spirulina. It is important to vary the diet of your redtail shark to ensure they receive proper nutrition and to reduce the chances of digestive problems.
What other fish can I keep with a Redtail Shark?
Redtail Sharks are generally peaceful fish and can be kept with other equally non-aggressive species. When selecting tank mates for a Redtail Shark, be sure to choose fish of similar size and temperament. Fish such as Danios, Bala Sharks, Silver Sharks, Rainbow Sharks, Tinfoil Barbs, Silver Dollars, Gouramis, and Loaches make great tank mates for a Redtail Shark.
When keeping Redtail Sharks with other fish, be sure to maintain a good balance of activity levels. Redtail Sharks are particularly active, so it is important to select fish that are equally active. Avoid keeping Redtail Sharks with shy, slow-moving species, such as some species of catfish, as they may become stressed.
It is important to ensure that the aquarium is large enough to accommodate the tank mates of a Redtail Shark. A tank of at least 55 gallons is recommended to ensure that all fish have enough space to swim and thrive. Additionally, be sure to provide plenty of hiding spots and areas of shelter for all inhabitants of the aquarium.
Are Redtail Sharks Suitable for Novice Aquarists?
Redtail sharks are generally considered an intermediate level fish to keep, making them unsuitable for beginners. They can be very sensitive to water parameters and require a larger tank than most community fish. They tend to be territorial and aggressive, so tankmates should be chosen carefully and the tank should be well-planted with plenty of hiding places. These sharks also require high-maintenance diets and frequent water changes. Thus, they are not recommended for novice aquarists.
Conclusion
Redtail sharks are a wonderful addition to any home aquarium. With proper care and maintenance, they will live for many years. They require a large enough tank with plenty of hiding places and hiding spaces. The water quality must be monitored and kept at the optimal levels. These fish should also be fed a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flake foods. If the redtail shark’s needs are met, it can be a great addition to any aquarium.
References
- Mann, R. (2020). Uncovering the Size of Redtail Sharks: Everything You Need to Know About Aquarium Care. Aquatic Arts
- Sawyer, D. (2020). Shark Species Profile: Redtail Shark. LiveAquaria
- R. (2019). Red Tail Shark. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
