Care
In its native range this fish inhabits running water, where it grazes amongst boulders and solid surfaces. When heavy rains make seasonal floodwaters available, they disperse into this habitat.
The Ruby Shark can be quite territorial, and in a small aquarium it should be kept as a single specimen with no similar species. A far better way to keep these fish is as a large, rowdy group in a well-furnished set up in a similar way to some of the more boisterous barbs. Hiding places amongst rocky caves, bogwood and live plants will be very much appreciated. This primarily bottom-dwelling species mixes well with barbs, danios, rainbow fish and tetras, etc, that occupy a higher level in the tank. Despite their name, these are not predatory fish and will generally ignore small tankmates. An aquarium-cultivated albino form may be more frequently seen. Despite being a shade of grey with red fins, this fish may also be seen on sale as Rainbow Shark.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, flake, green flake, algae wafers, algae growing in the tank, vegetable matter, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
The Ruby Shark is an egglaying species, but few details are available of spawnings. This is likely to be due to their intolerance of each other in the confines of the average aquarium.
