Firetail data sheet
German name:
Firetail Fringe Lips
Scientific name:
Labeo bicolor
Origin:
Asia – Thailand
Size:
up to 20 cm
Aquarium
Length:
200 cm and more
Contents:
From 400 liters
Lighting:
Shady
Furnishings:
water values
Temperature:
20-26ºC
PH value:
6 – 7
carbonate hardness:
°dKH
total hardness:
2 – 15 °dGH
Behave
Number:
no specific number
Area:
Floor
propagation:
egglayer
Lining:
omnivore
Behave:
Increasingly rough with age, aggression spreads out in small swarms
Difficulty level:
Experienced aquarist
Firetail – Epalzeorhynchos (Labeo) bicolor
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General information about fire tails
© Mirko Rosenau Fotolia.com
Firetails, Epalzeorhynchos bicolor, grow much larger than the 10 to 12 centimeters often stated. You need large aquariums. Sizes of 25 centimeters in an aquarium with a length of 2.75 m are given.
In aquariums 2 to 3 meters long, the animals show that they are also sociable. Although they are a bit rough with each other and form territories, they are still sociable.
Plants and stone structures must provide hiding places. If such large aquariums are densely planted and provide caves and shelters, random reproduction is also possible.
Firetails are not loners, despite what is often said to be the case. Firetails kept singly often prey on other species of fish.
There should be 5 to 6 firetails kept in a large aquarium. The space in the aquarium must be heavily structured with visual barriers. Like many fish, firetails tend to be aggressive in crowded spaces. They then do not tolerate any conspecifics. They also see other, similar and black fish species as conspecifics. Fighting ensues when there are multiple fire tails in a confined space.
Under the right conditions, firetails are quite peaceful. The larger the stock, the calmer the animals become. From about 5 animals, firetails become rather calm and peaceful. The territorial instinct is suppressed. They just fight every now and then.
With a suitable setup, about 5 smaller firetails can be kept in a 240 liter aquarium. When they are 10 to 12 centimeters in size, they should then be transferred to a larger aquarium.
Stressed firetails turn gray
When firetails suffer from stress, they turn gray.
The red of the caudal fin disappears.
It is enough if a fire tail has no shelter or shelter. no cave has.
Firetails also turn gray if they live in tanks that are too small and may be constantly being hunted by other Firetails.
The dominant animal then often colors magnificently.
The oppressed animals turn gray. This applies to males and females.
Breeding Firetails
Breeding should be possible with a pair in species tanks with a water content of 200 liters or more.
There must be a strong current (5,000 to 8,000 liters per hour). About 1000 eggs are laid. The eggs must not touch the ground.
Firetail fringed lippers in a 112 liter aquarium:
© Markus Gimplinger
FAQs – Frequently asked questions about the Fire Tail
How big can a fire tail get?
It can grow from 12 to 20 centimeters. Sometimes some specimens reach sizes of up to 25 centimeters.
How old can a firetail get?
The ages range from 15 to almost 20 years.
What should you pay attention to in the aquarium?
These are freshwater fish. The aquarium must not contain too much salt.
The pH value should be between 6 and 7, the water hardness between 2 and 15° dGH and the temperature between 20 and 26 °C.
The fish feel particularly comfortable with peat filters and a sandy bottom, as they live on the bottom. You need absolutely Opportunities for shelter for weaker fish in the school, primarily dense plants and solid cave systems.
How do you distinguish between males and females?
The dorsal fin is pointed in males. In the females, the rear edge is straight and forms a right angle. The females are usually a bit paler too.
How do they behave towards conspecifics and other fish and should they be kept together?
They can react quite aggressively to conspecifics. A solitary attitude is however not to recommend.
If the aquarium is large enough (from a volume of 400 liters), 5 or more specimens should be kept. This is one of the reasons why the fish are not intended for beginners. If they are not doing well, for example because there are no burrows, this can be recognized by the fact that they become grayer and the red tail fin becomes paler, while the leader animals have more magnificent scales.
How the firetails govern in other ways depends on the individual animal. There are divided opinions and experiences.
What are the fish eating?
They are omnivores. You can feed them commercial ornamental fish food and/or live food.
Is breeding possible?
Yes, it is possible for males and females in a sufficiently large tank (from 200 liters). However, there must also be a constant and strong current (5000 to 8000 liters per hour), taking care that the fish eggs not touch the ground.