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Rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatus) — Cyprinidae

Rainbow shark

Epalzeorhynchos frenatus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatus) is a fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The rainbow shark is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from clear, flowing rivers of the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, dark-grey body with strikingly red-orange fins and an inferior mouth with which it grazes growth. As a territorial bottom-dweller it defends a patch of river bed and eats algae, biofilm, detritus and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rainbow shark?

The Rainbow shark is mainly black.

Where does the Rainbow shark live?

The Rainbow shark is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Rainbow shark get?

The Rainbow shark grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Rainbow shark dangerous to humans?

No, the Rainbow shark is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Regenboog-haaibarbeel sourced
English name
Rainbow shark sourced
Scientific name
Epalzeorhynchos frenatus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
12 inferred
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Epalzeorhynchos

More from the family Cyprinidae

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