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Harlequin Shark

Labeo cyclorhynchus

Freshwater West and central Africa

The harlequin shark is a striking cyprinid featuring an intricate mosaic of cream, brown, and black markings across its body and fins. Extremely territorial towards bottom dwellers and conspecifics, it should strictly be kept singly per aquarium. A well-oxygenated tank with smooth river rocks and secure hiding spots suits it best.

Also called: Harlequin shark, Harlequin sharkminnow, Varigated shark.

15 cm adult length, drawn to scale. torpedo body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 15 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 250 L, at least 120 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 50 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 3 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 22 to 27 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6.5 to 7.5 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 5 to 15, KH 3 to 8 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Medium Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Aggressive Territorial: strong.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 8 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Some experience helps A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.
Jumps Yes Keep the tank covered.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Harlequin Shark is an herbivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.