About Epalzeorhynchos frenatus (Fowler, 1934)
The rainbow shark, scientifically named Epalzeorhynchos frenatus (Fowler, 1934), has an elongated body that may be black, dark blue, or bright blue. It has a pointed snout and a flat abdominal region. Its fins are colored red to orange-red. A characteristic short stripe runs along the line connecting the gill cover, eye, and mouth. Male rainbow sharks differ from females in having thinner bodies, black lines along their tailfins, and brighter overall coloration. This species can reach a maximum length of approximately 6 inches (15 cm). Rainbow sharks are native to the Mekong, Chao Phraya, Xe Bangfai, and Maeklong river basins in Indochina. They inhabit waters with sandy substrates near river bottoms. The species feeds on algae and plankton, and performs seasonal migrations: it moves into flooded areas during flood season, then returns to the main rivers as floods dry out.
