Epalzeorhynchos frenatum (Fowler, 1934)
Rainbow sharkminnow
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
photo by AquaNet

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Labeoninae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 8; dH range: 5 - 12
Distribution:  Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya and Xe Bangfai basins (Ref. 27732) and Maeklong basin (Ref. 28024).
Diagnosis:  Has a greenish brown body with a large black blotch at the base of the caudal fin (Ref. 27732). Dorsal, anal and pelvic fins red with slightly dusky black color; 10-11 branched dorsal rays; 40-45 gill rakers on anterior side of first arch (Ref. 12693).
Biology:  Observed over sandy substrate (Ref. 27732). Found near any type of solid surface at midwater and bottom depths in streams and rivers. Moves into seasonally flooded habitats and returns to the rivers as floodwaters recede. Feeds on algae, periphyton, phytoplankton and some zooplankton. Popular in aquarium trade (Ref. 12693). Aquarium keeping: minimum aquarium size 120 cm (Ref. 51539).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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