The Black Sharkminnow is a completely black aquarium pet fish that may not add much color to your home aquarium. But, have you imagined a live smoky black fish swimming in a well-lit aquarium?
Now, you get the picture. With also the beautiful scales of this fish species, your aquarium will definitely grab attention.
While the Black Sharkminnow or Black Labeo makes a great addition to an aquarium, it is important to know about this freshwater shark species. At least, to keep your pet alive and healthy.
Thus, here at sharkkeeper.com, we present to you a detailed guide on Black Sharkminnow.
Things discussed on this page:
- Facts about Black Sharkminnow
- Origin of Black Sharkminnow
- The Black Sharkminnow Appearance
- Breeding and Migration
- Behavioral Pattern and
- Tips for Measuring Black Sharks.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Subfamily: Labeoninae
Genus: Labeo
Species: L. chrysophekadion
Binomial Name: Labeo chrysophekadion
Quick Facts about Black Sharkminnow
Black Sharkminnow (Labeo chrysophekadion) is a species of freshwater fish in the carp family. Also, known as the black shark or black labeo.
First found in the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basin, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and Borneo.
For mature breed, its maximum length is about 35 inches (90 cm). While the weight is up to 15lb (7kg).
Though this species is often seen in the aquarium trade, generally, it is unsuitable for home aquaria due to its large size, territorial, and aggressive nature.
Origin of Black Sharkminnow
Black Sharkminnow was first noticed from the Mekong basin in Cambodia. But, was later found in the Kapuas Lakes Area, Western Borneo, Kalimantan Barat.
This area is 3km below the fall line of great waterfalls of the Mekong basin at Lee Pee.
Status in Western Society.
Black sharkminmow is a popular aquarium fish in Western society. These are probably an escape from the fish farm. And, mostly due to the increased interest in fish keeping in the Western world.
Biology and Ecology Hierarchy
Labeo chrysophekadion is the current value name for this species. Though, it was originally called Rhotia chrysophekadion but was changed by Bleeker in 1849.
Human Uses
Black Sharkminnow is a popular food source in South Asia. And, a rich source of vitamins in that sense.
Hence, it is either dried or marketed fresh in their local markets.
Threat to Man
There are records of Black Sharkminnow infested with ichthyosarcotoxism, which causes gastrointestinal diseases that are detrimental to human health.
Conservation
Chances are these fish species suffer locally from over-fishing. And, they notably undergo local, short-distance migrations. However, the impacts do not appear to be great.
Hence, the IUCN Redlist categorized the Labeo chrysophekadion as a Least Concern species.
The Black Sharkminnow Appearance
Black Sharkminnow has a black body with a large dorsal fin. And, its anterior branched dorsal rays are longer than the head length.
Also, it has 15 – 18 branched dorsal rays, with both lips, fringed while the juveniles are black. Then, the adult is grey with a bright spot on each scale.
Body Morphology
Black Sharkminnow has a solid bully head with large scales. More so, it has a stocky body morphology. And, this is evidence of its distance-swimming ability.
Hence, it helps it swim in lakes, reservoirs, and other powerful rivers other sharks may not dare swim.
Snout
Black sharks have a common kind of branching lobes. These lobes run through the tip of the snout to the beginning of the pectoral fins.
Also, it has barbels around the nostrils. These are whisker-like sensory organs for sensation. Then, comes the groove that connects the nostril to the mouth.
Size
Black Sharkminnow can grow up to 30 – 35 inches in length. For that reason, they are only suitable for large home aquarium or public aquarium.
Life Span
Life Span: 10 – 15 years
Availability: Rare
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Identification
Balck Sharkminnow is similar to Bala Shark in shape. But, with a larger dorsal fin and deep black coloration throughout the whole body.
Breeding and Migration
The shark can be seen in rivers, canals, streams, and flooded floodplains. Occasionally, they can be seen in reservoirs. However, this is just in few numbers.
Just like other planktivorous and detritivorous carps, Black Sharkminnow spawns after the early thunderstorms of the coming rainy season.
As a result, it spawns at the sandbars along the riverbanks. Hence, the eggs settle in the shallow water and begin to hatch as the water level rises due to seasonal rains.
Afterward, the fry relocates into the flooded grasses along the river bank.
At this stage, they (fry) continue to follow the leading edge of the rising water level as the floodwater covers the land.
Upon maturity, the adults migrate to flooded areas so that they can feed on algae, periphyton, phytoplankton, and detritus, etc.
Then they return to the rivers from October to December.
Note that this migration varies in different countries. As such, in Laos and Thailand, they migrate upstream at the beginning of the rainy season, preferably from March to August. And, that is when they are mostly in reproductive condition.
As for downstream migration in Southern Laos, it occurs during the dry season of December/March.
While in Cambodia, their upstream migration takes place between October and March, downstream from March to August.
Sexing
Black Sharks has only one distinguishable sexual difference. Thus, the males are skinnier, while females are plumper.
Though this factor is significant, it might still be pretty hard to notice as juveniles. Moreover, they are unlikely to breed in an aquarium setting.
Has any Black Shark bred in an Aquarium?
It has been a difficult task breeding a Black Sharkminnow in an aquarium environment.
However, an albino form of the Black Shark exists and bred in an Aquarium.
Typical Behavior
Sold as juveniles to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts. The Black Shark will eventually outgrow its surroundings to become aggressively territorial towards other tankmates. Especially when the tank has limited space.
As a result, they should not be kept in a community tank with smaller fish. Or, any aquarium that is delicate in nature. It is best practice to keep this species in a single species tank.
More so, if you have limited tank size, you can keep them along with robust, fast-moving, mid-level or top-level dwelling species. Also, they can tolerate similarly sized species.
Another thing is, try to introduce them last into the tank after other tankmates have settled. Overall, it will still bully other bottom-dwelling species.
Feeding & Nutrition
Labeo chrysophekadion is primarily omnivore. They consume algae, periphyton, portions of terrestrial plants, and detritus.
Also, they feed on small invertebrates and plants in the wild.
While in the aquarium, they feed on a wide array of foods, which includes bloodworms, small pellets, brine shrimp and pellet, tubifex works, and blanched vegetables meant for omnivores.
Then, as a quick-growing species with strong appetites, they equally feed on meaty foods. And, as fussy eaters, they can have access to plant matter for grazing throughout the day.
Feeding Pattern
Feed them twice per day in an aquarium setting.
In their natural habitat, they feed on algae, insect larvae, worms, and small crustaceans. Therefore, in an aquarium environment, you could provide them with blanched cucumber, spinach, and shelled peas.
And, because they are grazers, endeavor to feed them multiple times instead of a single feeding pattern.
Tank Mates for Your Black Sharkminnow
The advised tankmates are large aquarium fish species like Cichlids who are capable of handling its aggressive disposition.
Or, on the other hand, fishes that mainly occupy the top levels of the tank. Otherwise, they would experience bullying and discomfort.
In all, these sharks have the same territorial traits as Redtail sharks. Hence, they are the most dangerous species to house in the company of smaller fish. This will result in your shark making food of their smaller tankmates.
Tank Size
The Black Sharkminnow grows really large. As such, will require a minimum tank size of 200 gallons for a single species.
Although, some aquarists may opt for a 125-gallon tank. Just know that your pet shark will feel confined in such spaces. Thus, triggering its aggression.
The best is to make use of a tank of up to 250 gallons or more. At most, you can go for a pond.
In any way, endeavor to provide a tight lid while housing your Black shark minnow. This is to avoid careless jumps out of the tank. Although, this may be rare as a bottom-dweller, do not take any chances for it is not impossible.
Tank Arrangement
Since the tank size is large, the aquarium décor needs more attention.
The hardier species of plants should be well rooted and clustered around.
Again, the aquascaping design should have plenty of open space so that sharks can swim freely.
For leaves, we recommend artificial robust plants and decorations. The reason being that living plants are difficult to maintain in such a tank.
More so, large sharks as your Black sharkminnow can bite out leaves. As a result, only artificial ones can stand the test of time.
Then, provide cover in the form of caves, driftwood, ornaments, and rocks. Thus, a hunk of sunken wood, acrylic, and ceramic plants are good examples.
Tank Water Conditions
Water pH/Temperature
In an aquarium, Black Sharkminnow is conducive at pH levels from 6.6 to 7.5. And, a temperature between 72° and 82°F.
Also, ammonia and other nitrogenous waste levels close to zero parts per million (ppm) are good for your shark’s survival.
Is it advisable to use a Filtration system in an aquarium housing a Black sharkminnow?
Definitely, aside from having artificial plants, a large filtration system is a necessity.
It requires a rigorous maintenance system that comprises of 50 – 80% water changes. And, highly oxygenated water with a level of water movement (moderate flow) is a must for the maintenance of the Black Labeo species.
Since they are bottom dwellers. They would also need fine gravel substrate to form caves as hideaways. However, avoid sharp objects that can cause injury to your pet shark.
Use of Open Water and Hiding Spaces
Unlike other sharks, most black sharks enjoy a large amount of open water.
Depending on the temperature condition, we recommend you dedicate at least half of the tank for open water.
And the dense side comprising of plant structures at different intervals in the tank.
They also enjoy a sandy substrate with fine pebbles. However, beware of its size. We suggest ¼ inch.
Of what Importance is a hiding space for the Black Shark?
The importance of hiding spaces can’t be overemphasized. Mainly, these sharks tend to be more comfortable in it due to their territorial nature.
Controlling Aggression while Keeping Multiple Black Sharks
In case you have more than one Black Sharks in your aquarium, you can create multiple territories by placing rocky caves, driftwood, and pots in different areas in the aquarium.
By so doing, you would drastically reduce aggression due to territoriality.
More so, avoid fish or invertebrates that can fit in their mouth as tank mates. And, avoid easily intimidated fish in the same tank with Labeo chrysophekadion
Coloration
Just like Rainbow Shark, black shark’s coloration fades to a burnt-charcoal gray when kept in excessively dark conditions.
But, will deepen to rich color when exposed to sufficient light conditions.
The younger ones tend to be richer in coloration than older adults, likely perpetual gray or silvery hue depending on lighting conditions.
Summarily, purchase them when they are young due to their stark aesthetic appeal. Improve their lighting condition and avoid keeping them in excessively small aquaria.
Common Freshwater Sharkminnow Diseases and How To Treat Them
For every aquarium, Black sharks are prone to certain diseases. Though, they are immune to most of them. But, there is a need for proper scrutiny.
Therefore, to have a successful aquarium farm, it is essential to keep an eye out for some symptoms of diseases.
Thus, these diseases are common to other freshwater sharks, which include Ich, fungus, swim Bladder disorder (SBD), and fungus.
Aside from these diseases, the most common issue for Black sharks is poor lighting conditions and poor water quality.
Of course, that is the common fate of Black sharks as it can cause them dull coloration and sluggish movement.
To drastically reduce it, get the specific parameters from your local pet stores during purchase. But, be sure to keep an eye on those your testing kits and thermometer for accurate measurement.
Ensuring Good Health for your Black Sharkminnow
Other common activities to ensure your shark’s good health include regular water changes. In other words, being a bottom dweller does not change its need for freshwater. Instead, the shark species prefer highly oxygenated water. Thus, the need for frequent water change.
Also, you should strictly follow the feeding pattern as recommended. Overfeeding your fish with low-quality food can affect their growth. While on the other hand, high-quality food with specific timing can propel it.
What are the best antibiotics to use for black sharks?
Prazipro is the best antibiotics for the Cyprinidae family. It is safe and works fine.
Avoid treating your Black shark with drugs or food substance that contains copper, dyes, or salt. Also, keep away from the use of Paragard as it contains Malachite Green that is not nutritious to some freshwater sharks.
Other food recommendations for Black sharks when they are sick
A healthy balance of proteinous diet and fresh vegetables is a good recipe.
Other methods include isolation from the community. Because they are aggressive and are prone to more aggression when sick. As such, will often attack other tank mates to protect themselves.
Tips for Measuring Black Sharks
In case you are a beginner and wish to measure your black shark, maybe for transactional purpose or to check for sexual maturity. These are measuring points to consider:
- Snout
- Girth
- Fork and
- Upper Lobe
Here are the guidelines.
For Overall Length
Measure in inches from the tip of the snout to the caudal fin.
Your tape should be laid flat over the entire length size of the shark’s back.
It should run along the dorsal line and stretch to the upper lobe of the tail.
Note that tail the of a shark is also its caudal fin.
For Fork Length
The fork length is measured from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail.
To measure it, place your tape over the entire length of the fish back just along the dorsal line.
Then extend the tape to the back of the fork of the caudal fin (tail).
For Girth
The girth is a defining measurement for calculating the weight. And, it is behind the pectoral fins extending around the shark in a straight line.
To get the estimated weight, you have to measure the thickest part of the largest diameter of the fish.
To achieve this, you have to keep your body near the midpoint of the shark’s body. This technique keeps you safe from the shark’s mouth.
Now, place your tape under its stomach with one hand while you gently roll the fish away from you with the other hand.
Gently move around, and quickly position the shark at the direction of your exposed measuring tape.
At this point, the shark might be a bit aggressive. But, continuously caress its body while you quickly take the girth measurement.
Where to get a juvenile Black Shark
Juvenile Black Shark is available on the online fish store or other specialty fish shops at an affordable price.
The sizes range from 1 ¾ to 3 ½ inches.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it seems that the Black Sharkminnow is a go-to-get shark for all aquarium hobbyists. For beginners, intermediate, and experts.
Of course, we have given you the most educative guide you can start with. However, a beginner must take extra caution while opting for this fish species. If not should stay away from it.
In case you found any ambiguity, do not hesitate to fall back to our guide and get a good dosage of knowledge you need to get your aquarium hobby lively and successful.
If you are on the verge of expansion, you can equally take a look at other Freshwater sharks for your aquarium.