Red-tailed black shark

The red-tailed black shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor; syn. Labeo bicolor), also known as the redtail shark and redtail sharkminnow, is a species of freshwater fish in the carp family, Cyprinidae. Despite its name, it is more closely related to carp. It is endemic to Thailand and currently critically endangered, but common in aquaria, where it is prized for its deep black body and vivid red or vivid orange tail. The red-tailed black sharks seen in the aquarium trade today are all captive bred.

Distribution
The species is endemic to Thailand, and was described by Hugh M. Smith in 1931 as being 'not uncommon in Bueng Boraphet and the streams which lead from it, and as being found in the Chao Phraya River as far south as Bangkok. A 1934 expedition reported catching a specimen in the Silom canal. As of 2011 it is only known at a single location in the Chao Phraya basin and has Critically Endangered status on the IUCN Red List. From 1996 until 2011 it was believed to be extinct in the wild. There is no evidence that collection for the aquarium trade is responsible for the species' decline, and it is more likely that the construction of dams and draining of swamps that took place during the 1970s were to blame.

Size
Red-tailed black sharks can reach a length of 16 cm. but some specimens have reached 7 to 8 inches

Human Intervention
The Red Tailed Black Shark faces critical endangerment due to its disappearing rivers caused by climate change. As reported by the Journal of Applied Aquaculture, while most are fish farmed now for commercial purposes, their captivity creates alternative challenges. Scientists are trying to reduce mortality rates through vaccination, recognizing the species’ economic importance and vulnerability to diseases like Streptococcus iniae. Efforts to conserve this type of fish shows how important human intervention is only when it’s absolutely necessary.