Size
The maximum size of this fish is 8 inches; however, 6 inches is more frequent.
Physical Appearance
The harlequin shark has translucent black fins and a creamy yellow body coloration with grey and black mottling. Since these and related freshwater species have elongated bodies and stiff fins, they resemble actual sharks somewhat, hence their common name.
Habitat
Native to Gabon’s Ogooué (sometimes spelt “Ogowe”) drainage and the middle and lower Congo river basins in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. Primarily lives in woodland streams that have dense marginal vegetation.
Keeping as Pet
Tank Size
They are aggressive towards fish that linger too long in their preferred section of the aquarium because to their territorial nature. Your tank should have a volume of at least 40 gallons.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 70 – 81°F/21 – 27°C
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Hardness: 3 – 15°H
Diet
The omnivorous harlequin shark fish are experts at consuming the slimy layer of bacteria, protists, fungi, and algae known as aufwuchs that forms on hard surfaces. They are excellent algae eaters for larger aquariums thanks to their diet.
Sooner or later, the supply of aufwuchs will run out unless you have a massive planted freshwater tank. As a result, you will need to give your harlequin shark minnow additional feedings.
They consume prepared flakes, sinking wafers, and pellets, while recipes richer in vegetable stuff are healthier for them.
Tank Mates
African characins like the Congo tetra and the African red-eye tetra are ideal tank mates.
Table
