Albino Red Fin Shark - Epalzeorhynchos frenatum

Albino Red Fin Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum)

The Albino Red Fin Shark is a striking freshwater fish recognised for its pale cream to pinkish body, bright red to orange fins and streamlined shark-like profile. Active, territorial and full of character, it makes an impressive addition to larger community aquariums when housed with suitably robust tankmates. Although generally manageable when young, adults can become increasingly territorial, particularly towards similar bottom-dwelling fish.

Common Name:
Albino Red Fin Shark, Albino Rainbow Shark

Scientific Name (Latin):
Epalzeorhynchos frenatum

Maximum Size:
Approximately 15 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Albino Red Fin Shark is a selectively bred colour form of Epalzeorhynchos frenatum.

The species originates from freshwater river systems in Southeast Asia, where it is associated with flowing waters, rocky substrates, submerged wood and areas containing algae-covered surfaces.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–27°C
pH Range: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to Moderate
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive

The Albino Red Fin Shark can become territorial as it matures, particularly towards similar-shaped fish and other bottom-dwelling species.

It is best kept as a single specimen in most community aquariums unless the tank is exceptionally spacious with numerous separate territories.

Diet:
Omnivore / Algae Grazer

Offer a varied diet including quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, spirulina-based foods and vegetable matter.

Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and other suitably sized foods.

Natural grazing on algae and biofilm across rocks and wood is also beneficial.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 180 litres

A longer aquarium with substantial floor space is recommended, as this species actively patrols the lower levels and may establish a sizeable territory.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Albino Red Fin Shark is an active bottom and midwater fish that spends much of its time exploring rockwork, caves and aquarium surfaces.

As it matures, it may claim a particular cave or section of the aquarium and chase other fish away from that area.

Provide plenty of caves, driftwood, rocks and visual barriers alongside open swimming space.

Community Suitability:
Semi-Aggressive

The Albino Red Fin Shark can be maintained successfully in a community aquarium when carefully matched with suitably sized, confident tankmates.

Suitable companions may include larger barbs, danios, rainbowfish, robust tetras and other active fish that generally occupy different areas of the aquarium.

Avoid other Red Fin Sharks, Rainbow Sharks and similarly shaped bottom dwellers unless the aquarium is very large.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a spacious aquarium with plenty of caves, rockwork and visual barriers to help reduce territorial aggression.

It is generally best kept as a single specimen.

Avoid very timid, slow-moving or long-finned tankmates that may be repeatedly chased.

Good filtration and moderate water movement are beneficial, together with regular partial water changes.

Provide both algae-based and protein-rich foods to maintain a balanced diet.

Because this is an albino variety, body colour may range from pale cream to pinkish white, while the intensity of the red or orange fins can vary naturally between individuals.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.