Fluorescent Rainbow Shark(60-80mm)

• Common name: GMO Rainbow Shark

• Scientific name: Epalzeorhynchos frenatum (sometimes listed as Epalzeorhynchos frenatus)

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos)

• Adult size: 12–15 cm (4.5–6")

• Lifespan: 5–8 years

🌈 Appearance

• Bright metallic rainbow sheen along the body, especially under good lighting.

• Fins are often tinted with red or orange.

• Juveniles are darker and develop full color as they mature.

• Slightly elongated, streamlined body with a flat ventral profile for bottom-dwelling behavior.

🏞 Tank Requirements

• Tank size: Minimum 150L (40 gallons) for a single adult; larger for multiple.

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28 °C

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • GH: 5–12

• Aquascape: Provide open swimming areas along with hiding spots (driftwood, rocks, caves).

• Substrate: Smooth sand or fine gravel to prevent fin/skin damage.

🍽 Diet

• Omnivorous bottom-dweller: algae, detritus, sinking pellets.

• Accepts vegetable matter, algae wafers, and high-quality sinking pellets.

• Will graze on biofilm and leftover food.

👫 Behavior & Compatibility

• Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially towards other rainbow sharks or bottom-dwellers.

• Best kept with active mid-to-top swimming community fish: barbs, danios, rasboras.

• Avoid housing multiple adults together in small tanks; one per tank or a very large tank is ideal.