Epalzeorhynchos frenatus – Labeo frenatus

Epalzeorhynchos frenatus – Labeo frenatus

Epalzeorhynchos frenatus is better known as Labeo frenatus and in shape it resembles its relative Labeo bicolor. The biggest differences between the two are the colors, the bicolor is completely black with a red tail while with the frenatus all fins are red. The body of the frenatus has a gray-violet color. The difference between the male and female is very difficult to see, the female seems to be slightly plumper.

Synonyms: Epalzeorhynchos frenatum, Epalzeorhynchus frenatus, Labeo erythrura, Labeo erythrurus, Labeo frenatus, Labeo munensis

Behavior

This species must be kept solitary, they are very aggressive with each other and when they get older they can also become aggressive towards other fish. The specimen that I temporarily kept in the aquarium reacted like a mad bull to the color red in other fish. Therefore, only keep them with stronger fish species. It is best to keep them with fish of approximately the same size. It is also not recommended to keep them with angelfish and discus fish.

The Aquarium

They like an aquarium with sufficient hiding places and slightly dimmed light, floating plants to dampen the light are certainly appreciated. In a quiet, dark spot they create a territory that is fiercely defended. Due to their fierce character, they can only be kept together with larger, robust fish. Angelfish and discus fish are NOT suitable.

In nature, fish have to deal with fluctuating temperatures. Keeping fish at the minimum or maximum temperature for a long time is not always desirable and can shorten the average lifespan of the animals.

Diet

In the wild they feed on algae and floating food particles. In the aquarium it is a real omnivore, including algae, frozen and dry food. Blanched vegetables are also popular.

Breeding Epalzeorhynchos frenatus – Labeo frenatus

As far as we know, this species has not been bred naturally in an aquarium, also because they can hardly be kept together in an aquarium. They are bred using the injection of hormones, but little is known about this.

Video

Author

John de Lange

Copyright images

John de Lange
Hristo Hristov