Care
The Apollo Shark is a torpedo-shaped species known from fast-flowing forest rivers where there is a high level of dissolved oxygen. This species grows quite large and can be somewhat skittish, so a very spacious aquarium (at LEAST 6ft x 2ft x 2ft, preferably larger) with powerful filtration and water movement is required. Excellent water quality must be maintained at all times as they are rather intolerant of a build up of organics. Apollo Sharks are energetic swimmers that tend to occupy the top section of the aquarium and do require some form of shelter plus a large open swimming space. It is extremely important to fit tight fitting coverslides and ensure there are no escape holes, as these fish are expert jumpers when startled. It is best to site the tank in a quiet area where there is less chance of the fish being continually disturbed by foot traffic. Apollo Sharks are gregarious by nature so they are best kept in groups of 6 or more. These fish form a pecking order, and if too small a group is maintained (such as 2 or 3 specimens), the dominant individual will continually pick on the others, sometimes with disastrous consequences. Kept in large enough groups, this behaviour should not become problematic as any belligerence will be spread amongst the group and no individual fish should bear the brunt of it. Having said this, Apollo Sharks are usually peaceful towards their tankmates, providing they are large enough not to swallow. Do remember though, that the frenzied feeding habits of the Apollo Sharks may intimidate slow, shy, or nervous fish, so choose tankmates with care. Similar sized cyprinids from the Barbonymus, Crossocheilus, Cyclocheilichthys, and Puntius genera may be suitable, as would Silver Sharks and larger Botiid loaches. Has been mis-labelled in the trade for many years as Luciosoma spilopleura - a species which is rarely exported.
Feeding
Prefers frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp and so on, but will also take flake and slow-sinking pellets. Larger specimens will eat krill, chopped prawns and cockles, small river shrimp etc.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
