Borneo Red Fin Silver Shark (Cyclocheilichthys janthochir)
The Borneo Red Fin Shark is a stunning, peaceful, timid shoaling species that is not often available in the aquarium trade. You can maintain these fish in either a decent-sized aquarium on their own or in a group of six to eight individuals in an appropriately sized community aquarium alongside other peaceful fish.
Ideal tankmates for the Borneo Red Fin Shark could include medium-sized, peaceful species that enjoy the same soft, acidic conditions. Other Cyprinids, as well as Loaches, larger Rasboras, and Danios, all make suitable candidates. However, it would be better if you did not house these fish with any boisterous or aggressive fish that would intimidate them; otherwise, they will go into hiding and not feed.
Borneo Red Fin Sharks will thrive in an aquarium with a soft sandy substrate, plenty of driftwood, and areas of dense vegetation where they can retreat if they feel frightened. However, it would be best to avoid placing sharp decor in your aquarium as this can cause them injury when they decide to make a dash for shelter. Floating plants are also beneficial as they will reduce the light in the aquarium. In addition, these fish will appreciate ample swimming space along the front of the aquarium.
Borneo Red Fin Sharks are intolerant to the build-up of organic waste and constantly require pristine water to thrive; therefore, you should never introduce them to a biologically immature aquarium. In addition, the aquarium will need a decent level of oxygenation and powerful filtration; to keep nitrate to a minimum, and you will need to perform frequent partial water changes.
It would be best to place the aquarium in a quiet location as these are very skittish fish and are easily spooked. Lastly, you should provide them with shaded hiding spots and tight-fitting lids to prevent them from accidentally jumping out.
The Borneo Red Fin Shark has a silvery torpedo-shaped body, and its dorsal and caudal fins are a reddish-orange colour edged in a dark greyish-black. Their pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are transparent, and they display a thin black stripe that runs from the nose to the base of their caudal fin.
Tank Mates
3 ideal tank mate ideas for the Borneo Red Fin Silver Shark include:
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cyclocheilichthys janthochir |
| Year Described | 1854 |
| Other Names | Borneo Red Fin Silver Shark, Burmese Red Fin Silver Shark, Janthochir Barb |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Cyclocheilichthys |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 4 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 4.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 1 - 12 |
| TDS | 18 - 179 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 71 - 80℉ 21.7 - 26.7℃ | |
Photos
Videos
Borneo Red Fin Silver Shark Cyclocheilichthys janthochir - Rare Barb Fish Profile & Care Guide
Natural Habitat
The Borneo Red Fin Shark is endemic to the Kapus River, which is located in West and Central Kalimantan in Borneo, Indonesia, in Southeast Asia. These fish inhabit blackwater rivers and streams and old peat swamps.
The water in their natural habitat is typically stained brown due to the release of tannins and other chemicals caused by decomposing organic material. The substrate is usually scattered with twigs, fallen leaves, and branches. Such environments characteristically contain very soft acidic water and are often shaded due to the forest canopy above.
These biotopes are threatened in the wild because of building developments, rubber and palm oil plantations and other human actions.
Such environments characteristically contain very soft acidic water and are often shaded due to the forest canopy above. Across much of Southeast Asia, these biotopes are under threat from building developments, rubber or palm oil plantations and other human actions.
Feeding
Borneo Red Fin Sharks are not particularly fussy in the home aquarium and will happily accept good quality dried foods such as flakes, granules and pellets. However, to optimize their best colours and condition, you should also offer them frequent meals of live and frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, bloodworm, daphnia, Mysis shrimp and artemia. More significant individuals will eat krill and finely chopped prawns.
Sexual Dimorphism
It is somewhat tricky to differentiate between the male and female Borneo Red Fin Shark. However, it is believed that sexually mature females are likely to be thicker-bodied and slightly less colourful than males.
Breeding
Currently, there have been no successful recordings of Borneo Red Fin Sharks being bred in the home aquarium.
Frquently asked questions
Are Janthochir Barbs good community fish?
There are lots of suitable tankmates for these Barbs, including many Cyprinids, Cichlids, Catfish, Loaches, and Characins; still, proper research is essential when selecting a compatible community of fish. A community based around one of their native river basins or countries would also present a worthwhile project with some attractive alternatives.
How do you tell the difference between male and female Janthochir Barbs?
What aquarium setup is best for my Janthochir Barbs?
Like various species that come from such pristine natural backgrounds, they are intolerant to the accumulation of organic wastes and requires clean water at all times to thrive. Therefore, it would be best if you never introduced them to a biologically immature aquarium. The best water parameters for Janthochir Barbs is a temperature between 71 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, a pH level of between 4 and 7 and a water hardness that ranges between 18 and 179 ppm.