Firetail - Epalzeorhynchos (Labeo) bicolor

The Firetail Fringed Lipper with the scientific name Epalzeorhynchos bicolor from Thailand was formerly known as Labeo bicolor. This popular aquarium fish belongs to the carp family. Unfortunately, the last firetails are almost certainly extinct in the wild, which is why there are only aquarium populations of this beautiful fish. With a body length of up to 18 cm, this beautiful sociable ornamental fish is a case for large aquariums. The firetail can live up to 15 years.

The body of the Firetail Fringed Lipper is very dark olive green to almost black, and its caudal fin is fiery red. If the fish is not well, the tail loses the red color and fades. The pectoral fins in some specimens are not completely black, but slightly reddish. Males are slightly more slender than the more bulbous females, and their dorsal fin tapers to a point. On the scrape mouth, the firetail has the barbels typical of a carp fish.

The Firetail has a relatively bad reputation as an aggressive loner - and in the company of only 2-3 conspecifics and in too small tanks it is indeed extremely territorial and very rough. However, in a larger group in a sufficiently large (250-500 liters) and very well planted aquarium - Epalzeorhynchos bicolor is then suddenly a relatively compatible fish.

The Firetail Fringed Lipper can also be bred in an aquarium of 500 liters or more and in extremely soft water at 28 °C. The ornamental fish breed in a cave, the fry hatch after a few days. At first they are silvery, they turn black later, and the red coloration of the caudal fin comes a little later.

A group of Firetail Fringed Lippers can be kept in a well-planted aquarium of 120 cm or more in length, where there are also caves and rock structures where the fish can retreat. The substrate should be soft, so that the aquarium fish can burrow for food. It can be kept in soft to medium hard water and at a temperature of 22-28 °C very well.

With its scraping mouth the Firetail takes care of all kinds of algae coverings, but also live food and flake food or granulated food are gladly taken by the omnivore.

Epalzeorhynchos bicolor can also be kept in a community tank with assertive fish. Shrimps are eaten quite certainly. Socialization with medium-sized rather peacefully inclined crayfish can work, although juvenile crayfish will almost certainly be eaten by large firetails.

Our food recommendation: The fragrant NatureHolic Guppyfeed was tailor-made for the needs of guppies and other mainly herbivorous fish in the aquarium. In addition to high-quality animal-based ingredients, it also contains plant-based components that benefit the animals. The soft granules protect the sensitive mouth of the viviparous from injuries caused by hard food grains and provide the fish with a natural feeding experience.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.