With its striking colors and distinctive shape, the Labeo bicolor is a fish that will definitely stand out in any aquarium. This fish gives a striking touch to your underwater scene with its striking black body and bright red tail.
But caring for a Labeo bicolor involves more than just admiring its good looks. To guarantee that this species flourishes in your tank, it is crucial to comprehend its unique requirements and habits. There are a few important things to take into account, ranging from realizing its territorial nature to setting up the ideal tank conditions.
The various varieties of Labeo bicolor, their distinctive traits, and the best ways to maintain their wellbeing in your aquarium will all be covered in this article.
| Feature | Description |
| Appearance | Labeo bicolor has a sleek black body with a vibrant red tail, making it a striking addition to any aquarium. |
| Behavior | This fish is territorial, especially with its own kind, so it"s best to keep only one per tank. |
| Tank Setup | Provide plenty of hiding spots with rocks and plants to mimic its natural habitat and reduce stress. |
| Water Conditions | Keep the water temperature between 22-26°C with a pH level of 6.5-7.5 for optimal health. |
| Diet | Omnivorous, feeding on algae, plant matter, and small insects. Offer a varied diet for balanced nutrition. |
Habitat
Southeast Asia is home to the two-color, or Labeo bicolor, members of the carp family. With the Chuphraya, Mae Klong, and other rivers flowing into the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand is regarded as its homeland.
The fish favors shallow reservoirs with a sandy bottom, lots of plants, and stones that are no deeper than 1 meter. In addition to feeding on worms, insects, and vegetation, it also serves as a cleaner by clearing parasites from the skin of passing animals.
It migrates to flooded floodplains during the spawning season, but because of disturbances caused by human activity to the migration processes, the population has declined dramatically.
Although Labeo bicolor is actively raised in captivity, it is included in the Red Book.
Characteristics
The Labeo bicolor’s body is slim, long, and somewhat flattened on the sides, giving it the appearance of a tiny shark. Length: 12–15 cm; females are marginally bigger but have paler colors.
Their low-lying mouth, resembling a scraper, and their small, red eyes enable them to consume greenery.
The two-lobed tail fin is red, while the body is a velvety black color.
Under stress or in the dark, the body’s expressive shade may slightly fade.
Due to its large territorial size, the Labeo bicolor requires an aquarium that is at least 100–200 liters in size. It is dependent on the characteristics and quality of the water, so aeration and filtration are necessities. The bottom should be covered with small pebbles, ideally round and dark in color, and smooth surfaces. Dim, diffused lighting that resembles natural light is preferable.
It is essential to have lush vegetation; strong-rooting plants, such as ferns and Anubias, are preferable, though Labeo bicolor hardly ever harms them. In addition, the fish adores driftwood and ceramic grottoes, as well as other floating species like pistia and riccia that can provide cover.
The ideal range of parameters for maintenance is 23–27 degrees, with an acidity of 6.5–8.5 pH and a hardness of 6–18 GH. A 20–25% weekly water change is necessary.
Regarding feeding, there are typically no issues because Labeo bicolor is a laid-back, omnivorous dog that enjoys a wide range of foods.
Any of the following can be considered dry food:
Since fish eat from any surface because of where their mouths are located, it is preferable to give preference to sinking varieties.
Furthermore, they eat both frozen and live food well:
Greens and vegetable bits can also be included in the diet.
It is recommended to feed twice a day.
Breeding
Labio bicolor reproduction is a challenging endeavor because natural fish spawning occurs infrequently. Hormonal injections—human chorionic gonadotropin and a suspension of carp fish pituitary gland—should be used to speed up the process (this drug can be purchased at special farms). In addition, the fish are given food and a specialized medication called "Nerestin."
The spawning tank is a separate 150-liter aquarium with a 40-centimeter water level. The parameters of the water are as follows: pH 6.0-7.0, hardness up to 4 GH, and temperature 24-27 degrees. Water sank and became somewhat filtered. The development of eggs also depends on a healthy water flow.
Two weeks prior to spawning, a female and two males are chosen, kept apart, and fed protein-rich food. Subsequently, they receive daily injections of hormones: a suspension (0.2 ml per 10 g of weight for females and 0.1 for males) and chorionic gonadotropin (5–10 IU per 1 g of weight) in the first instance. Using an insulin syringe, the injection is given between the scales in the back muscles.
The breeders are removed from the spawning tank as soon as the spawning occurs, and the water current is kept strong for approximately thirty minutes. In 14–15 hours, if everything is done correctly, the fries will appear. They rise to the surface after initially floating or lying on the water’s bottom, and on the fourth day they eat live dust. The fish are fed chopped tubifex and zooplankton when they are 7–10 days old.
The Labeo bicolor is a well-liked option among aquarium enthusiasts because of its eye-catching black body and red tail. Due to its territorial nature, this fish needs a few things in order to survive, such as lots of room, suitable tank companions, and a clean environment. The health and longevity of this colorful species in your aquarium can be guaranteed by being aware of the various kinds and by following important care instructions.
Subspecies
The coloring is black with no red contaminants and a brownish tint.
Fish with reddish fins and a dark olive color.
Distinguished by its red fins and slender white body.
A unique species with a rainbow-tinted silvery hue.
Has a peculiar coloring, with green-brown dots scattered on a golden body.
With age, a beige fish with red and brown streaks turns gray.
A genetically altered species that glows in the dark and can be either orange or purple.
The fascinating Labeo bicolor fish adds beauty and activity to any aquarium. Its remarkable coloring and distinct behavior make it a fast favorite among fish aficionados.
But knowing what this fish needs is essential to keeping it happy and healthy. Your Labeo bicolor will flourish if you pay close attention to these details, which range from tank size to compatible tank mates.
This fish is a rewarding addition to your aquarium because it will live happily for many years to come if you give it the right care and surroundings.
